They know they will have a job on their hands, for they are up against old rivals Clon Na Gael, who have never yet lost a final match in this competition – but then again, when Jersey have made it to the final on two previous occasions, they have never lost either.’When we met them last year they beat us by one point in the semi-final.
To be honest I reckon we’ve a 50/50 chance of winning.
It’ll be down to whichever team is hungriest – and for whichever team things go right on the day,’ said team member Dermot Harrison.
‘But with a win under our belts we’re very hungry, and our confidence is high.
We’re really up for it.’The squad remains the same as for the semi-final – when Jersey Irish beat Cu Chulans in decisive fashion, by 18 points to six – with the addition of their big forward Jeremy Clare.Preparations for the big match have gone well, with Tony Kelly passing a late fitness test after a rib injury, and Pat Kelly, a newcomer this season who provided a man-of-the-match performance last time, is anxious to get out there and get going again.Experienced goalkeeper Gerry Hall’s relaxed composure will play a huge part in leading and guiding the defence and Clare is expected to play a big part in proceedings too.’We’ll probably be going in to the match as underdogs,’ Harrison said, ‘so we have nothing to lose.
Eugene McCarthy, (team captain) feels that our tempo, morale and self-belief has increased tremendously and there’s a real air of optimism.’Squad: Gerry Hall, Tony Kelly, Ger O’Gorman, Pat Kelly, Pat Maloney, John Molloy, Jimmy McCormack, Denis Finnegan, Joe Peglay, Eugene McCarthy (captain), John Payne, Dermot Harrison, Richie Maloney, Eddie McGrath, Damien Machuge, Geordie Sharpe, Jeremy Clare.
