One more challenge as Glen look to reach the promised land

It is a huge week ahead for Watty Graham's Glen as they come up against Dublin outfit Kilmacud Crokes in the All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final at Croke Park.

Malachy O'Rourke’s side overcame Moycullen of Galway by two points in the semi-final to book their place in the club’s first All-Ireland final - a historic occasion for the Derry and Ulster champions.

Their opposition, Kilmacud Crokes, have a side filled to the brim with footballing talent. Players such as Galway talisman Shane Walsh and six-time All-Ireland winner Paul Mannion, who has recently returned from injury, will be on Glen’s radar as key defenders Cathal Mulholland and Michael Warnock will look to marshal the skilful forwards.

Manager Robbie Brennan guided the Dublin and Leinster winners to their second consecutive All-Ireland club final after defeating Kerins O’Rahillys (Kerry) by a goal in the semi-final. Crokes will be aiming to go one step further this time around after a heartbreaking loss to Kilcoo in last year’s final following a last-gasp goal to seal an All-Ireland triumph for the 2021 Ulster champions.

Glen, who got the better of Kilcoo by six points in the 2022 Ulster final, will look to replicate the Down club’s All-Ireland success this weekend. The two-time Derry senior champions can rely on brothers Ethan and Jack Doherty while the physical and talented midfield duo of Conor Glass and Emmett Bradley will want to win the battle in the centre of the pitch. They will be up against Crokes’ Craig Dias and Ben Shovlin who both featured in last year’s All-Ireland final.

Glen forward Danny Tallon, who was named man of the match in the semi-final with his contribution of 0-3 points, will be tightly marked by a Kilmacud defence which includes Dublin defenders Rory O'Carroll and Theo Clancy. Tallon will have to put in another effective display on Sunday if Glen are to defy the odds.

This Sunday can be Glen’s moment of fame against firm favourites Kilmacud but it won’t be an easy task. The club’s journey over the past few years has been impressive; making the climb to the Derry senior summit, eclipsing that success by holding aloft the Ulster title and now they have the chance to win the most sought-after club title in the country.

After their semi-final victory over Moycullen, manager O’Rourke told TG4 in his post-match interview: “I was happy with the boys' application (in the semi-final) and they deserve every bit of it.

“We know we are going to have to improve a lot for the final but it is great to be there.

“It is going to be a really tough job (against Kilmacud Crokes) but if you are not there then you are not going to complete it.

“We are delighted to be in the final, we know we have a serious bit of work ahead of us so we have to train very hard and concentrate on the areas we didn’t do so well in the semi-final.

“We want to put our best foot forward, it will be another massive occasion for the club and we will be coming out with the intention of producing a massive performance.”

Following his man of the match performance in the semi-final, attacker Tallon told TG4: “It’s the stuff of dreams - being here with your club is unbelievable.

“It wasn’t too long ago when we were battling relegation but our neighbours Slaughtneil had a few All-Ireland finals so just watching them gave us the motivation to get to one. Thankfully we have.”

Sunday’s game will be the first meeting between a Derry and Dublin club side at this stage of an All-Ireland series since 1995. Kilmacud conquered Bellaghy by three points on that occasion.

This year’s All-Ireland final will throw-in at 3.30pm in Croke Park. Kilmacud go into the final encounter as favourites at 4/7 while Glen are 15/8 to lift the Andy Merrigan Cup.

The county of Derry will be cheering on the men from Glen as they target a chance at All-Ireland glory.

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship

Watty Graham's Glen (Derry) v Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin)

Croke Park, Sunday, Jan 22 @ 3.30pm