‘It’s going to be a big day and a big match,’ coach Adrian Henchy said.
‘Neasden have been playing in the senior championship for some years; they are one of the biggest Irish clubs in London and they won the championship in 1999.’Not only that, but they beat Jersey in the first match of the season last year which put paid to their hopes of a championship semi-final place.Henchy said that Jersey are determined, after their last encounter, to show Neasden that their disappointing performance last season was a one-off.’Any of the players who were there last year will admit it was one of the poorest-ever displays we’ve put on – and they can’t wait for Saturday to show what they can really do.’Jersey got off to a winning start in their first game, against Thomas McCurtains, as did Neasden who played St Kiernans.Neasden travel with a full-strength squad, and manager Michael McDonagh says his squad is stronger this year.
On Saturday they will be looking to goalkeeper Brendan Moore and defender Keith Geraghty to subdue the Jersey attack, while up front they have two excellent forwards, Colm Cassidy and captain Fergal Cuningham.Although two of Jersey’s squad look doubtful for the game – Tommy Doyle and Justin Christie are still injured – John Molloy and Steve O’Brien are fit again and return to the squad along with promising newcomer Gary Levins.Henchy said they’ll also be looking for big performances from defenders Jimmy McCormack and Kevin McDonald while Jeremy Clare, Keith Carthy and Ray Grant will be the main threat in attack.As if the match weren’t enough, the Jersey Irish GAA committee have decided to offer everyone cead mile fa’lte and will be making the event a celebration of all things Irish, with food, drink and music.
They hope lots of supporters and friends will be at the pitch to cheer the Jersey lads on.’We know Neasden won’t just be coming for the craic ,’ Henchy said.
‘By all accounts they are quietly confident of beating us.
But the lads will be putting up a good show and we’ll be hoping that being on home turf and with a crowd to support us, we’ll make the most of the opportunity and do ourselves proud.
We want to show the people of Jersey how committed we are, and how proud, to represent the Island.’The match is at the Airport pitch this Saturday, 28 June, with the throw-in at 2 pm and parking at the pitch.
