Don't know where all this talk of North End being an 'ordinary side' comes from. Having seen both games in Clonmel and Carrick over the weekend I would say NE were easily the pick of the 4 teams. They have some very nice footballers in their squad (1st goal yesterday the best goal I've seen in a long while) a decent midfield and defence and a very solid goalkeeper - excellent yesterday and on another time I've seen him play for Oscar Traynor team against Waterford.
As for 'Town and Carrick - I think all their lines are weak / weakened for varying reasons. Both defences are very unsure - changed back 4s again which is leading to lack of understanding and authority by a dominant figure. Town's midfield has never replaced Paul Scully - John Shanahan continues to be played in defence which makes no sense. Comerford - haven't seen what the fuss was about. Carrick's midfield is dependant on Wayne Fitzgerald - young Burke is a good player but a little lightweight for centre of mid. Up front for Town David McGrath too looks a bit lost on his own. Was Barry Ryan injured? Carrick's starting pair are not of the calibre of previous years either and not up to the top level.
So really a poor weekend for the 'neighbours' - Carrick will need a bit of a lift to get themselves in the winning mentality for MJC - a relatively favourable run should see them at least reach final to face Pike or Michaels. Town are just concentrating on local trophies now and I suppose wondering what needs to be done to get the team back to a level where they can challenge for the 'big ones' - the manager in fairness took over a sliding ship so he can't take all the blame - what next tho'?
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