Making decisions can be difficult. Since their stirring play/off success at Station Road over Kildare County when Mervue United performed diligently there have been debate and conferences. Now it appears a place in the Eircom League proper will be accepted as Mervue seek a licence. Is it the correct route to take? A provocative question indeed.
The lack of a Connacht Senior League over the past few years has been a pity and the Championship offered an intermediate level that is required as a bridge into senior football. Now Mervue want to operate at that level, but it will be tricky. Mervue are prepared to slog it out, and the challenge will be embraced with typical passion.
When Kildare County came to Fahy’s Field the manner in which Mervue hosted the match deserved to be commended. Declan McDonnell, George Guest, and their loyal crew of workers ensured all the boxes were ticked, but it will take a trojan effort from all concerned to achieve that on a fortnightly basis.
Operating in the Eircom League isn’t always rosy, and the exacting trips on the Discover Ireland tour will examine Mervue’s credentials on the pitch, but the signs are encouraging. Johnny Glynn and Mark Herrick weren’t afraid to give youth its fling and that is commendable.
Still within minutes of conquering Kildare Glynn spoke realistically admitting that if the step up was made further bodies needed to be recruited. One thing that matters in the Eircom League is experience, and it will be interesting to see how Mervue evolve the far side of Christmas.
In the coming days and weeks Mervue will continue to build on the foundations that are being laid. Affording their youngsters an opportunity to perform at the highest level in the country is something few other clubs can offer. Every under age footballer involved with Mervue has something to aspire to and the next year will be revealing.
All Ireland club getting interesting
By the time Corofin had retreated from Tuam Stadium yesterday word must have been filtering through that Rhode were scoring early and often at Parnell Park against Kilmacud Crokes.
Three quarters of an hour later the landscape had changed considerably. Kilmacud staged another dramatic recovery mission at the Donnycarney venue, and will now await the winners of the January 18 quarter final between Corofin and Tir Chonaill Gaels, who have severely tested high calibre opponents.
That the Galway SFL final was postponed yesterday at the last minute due to a frozen pitch probably suited Corofin as any injuries suffered in such a fixture would be deemed devastating.
And as the contenders for All Ireland glory narrows Corofin are completely aware that they are in the mix again. That was their mission at the start of 2008 when Jimmy Sice commenced training for the adventures ahead, and being the competitors they are Corofin will be fully intent on climbing the Tir Chonaill Gaels’ hurdle. A February clash with the Crokes would be a stimulating challenge. With Portumna hurling against Ballyhale Shamrocks the spring ought be intriguing.
