The Village Are One Step Away

(JJ Hurley)

(Carrigaline Senior Football Side who face Nemo Rangers in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Senior Football Semi-Final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh at 5.15pm today) (Bernard Laverty) 

Carrigaline have a date with destiny as they face the mighty Nemo Rangers in the McCarthy Group Insurance Premier Senior Football Semi-Final down the Páirc at 5.15 pm today.

Steady progress since their return from a year's leave of absence from the Premier grade seems to have sharpened the club's focus.

Even then, as they lined out in the Senior A grade, the focus was on rebuilding and getting back.

A night in Shanbally that will not be forgotten, along with victory over the Barrs in the league final, was certainly a significant signpost on the road to recovery.

A shootout against Kanturk in the semi-final and clinching Premier status with a two-point victory over Knocknagree are days that have entered the club's lore.

However, reminiscing can often be dangerous for any club.

Yes, tradition plays a part in grinding out results.

Nemo know all about that.

Just ask another newcomer to the grade, Newcestown, who should have seen off the Capwell kingpins in last year's semi-final, but experience proved invaluable.

Mark Cronin is one that Carrigaline will need to keep a close eye on, as are Bryan Hayes and Ross Corkery.

If Nemo have one advantage, it is that they have 23 senior county championship titles.

In other words, they have been here and bought the T-shirt.

Old hat for Nemo, as their victory over Castlehaven in the quarter-final demonstrated.

But for Carrigaline, it is a new challenge.

At the back of Michael Meaney's mind over the past couple of weeks, since qualifying for the semi-final, will have been the need to keep the lads' minds focused.

Only from 5.15 pm today will we know if this has worked.

A tough encounter with Ballincollig in the Co-Op Superstores Semi-Final in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, not forgetting victory for their minors or, indeed, the success of the ladies last weekend, would suggest that minds are focused on the Crosshaven road.

While nerves will play a part for Carrig, arguably they possess one of the finest footballers of his generation in Brian O'Driscoll.

His experience, calmness and commitment have been game-changers for the South East side.

No doubt his voice will be a welcome one as Carrigaline enter the arena as underdogs tonight.

But beyond O'Driscoll's experience and leadership, Carrigaline have others too: Desmond, O'Reilly, Kavanagh, the Mellet brothers, and the list goes on.

The reality is that Carrigaline have nothing to lose tonight.

Nemo are the ones with the pedigree.

They have done it all before.#

So, for the Carrig lads tonight, it is all about going out, enjoying the occasion and seeing what happens!

Memories can come later.

(Carrigaline Footballers prepare to meet Nemo Rangers tonight in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Senior A Football Semi-Final) (Bernard Laverty)