We’ll win it for Andy say
champs
 By David
Thorpe
Tir Chonaill Gaels have carried all before them in London football this
year, and following the untimely death of their chairman Andy Duff, they
will need no added incentive when they face Tara in the London SFC Semi-Final
at Ruislip this weekend.
The Gaels manger Maurice Carr told the Irish Post that Andy’s death
had brought everybody at the club together, the attendances at training
have been great and there is a definite feeling among everyone in the
club that they want to win this in his memory.
As defending County Champions, Tir Chonaill Gaels will be strong favourites,
and while Maurice believes that his team are stronger than in their Championship-winning
season last year he is taking nothing for granted against an experienced
and tough Tara outfit.
“The form book would have us as favourites, and we have a good record
against them, but they are always hard to beat in the Championship and
have played well this year,” he said.
Tara’s preparation for the match has been hit by the injury to Stewart
McKenzie-Smyth, who is definitely out, so much will be expected from the
Hehir brothers, Senan and Paul, if Tara are to secure a place in the final.
There is a sense that Tara may have peaked too early. They faced many
idle weeks at the start of the championship, resulting in several of their
players returning to Ireland to play for their native clubs. Those lads
are now ineligible, and will be sorely missed.
While few things are predictable about London football, Tir Chonaill Gaels
should make an emotional return to the county final, and if they win will
be dedicating the victory to one of the club’s greatest servants.
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