Walker tries to plot downfall of his native Tubberclair

Jasca Sports Westmeath IFC Quarter-Final Preview IF ever a fixture summed up the compelling nature and complexities of local Gaelic football rivalry, then it must be the meeting of Ballymore and Tubberclair in the Westmeath IFC quarter-finals on Saturday (Cusack Park, 5.15pm). For in the Ballymore corner (or dug-out to be more precise) will be Gerry Walker, a native of Tubberclair and a former player, manager and stalwart of the club. To make matters even more compelling, Gerry's sons, Niall and Ronan, are members of the Tubberclair panel, though the former is currently sidelined through long-term injury. It could make for nervous tension in the Walker household this week, but not so, according to the diplomatic and respectful Ballymore supremo. "I have the greatest respect for Tubberclair. They're basically a senior club, and Ballymore will need to be at their very best to beat them. We don't say too much about the upcoming game in the house! We know enough about each other at this stage to know what's coming from the opponent. With my association with Tubberclair, and my young lads involved, I suppose I can't lose in some respects, but I'd rather have the bragging rights than not. Naturally, I would've liked to have avoided playing Tubberclair, but having said that, when you take a job elsewhere you know the possibility (of meeting your former club) is highly probable. "I obviously want a Ballymore win but part of me will always wish Tubberclair the very best. These type of scenarios occur in sport, and my goal has to be to keep getting wins for Ballymore. At the end of it all, it's a game of football, and nobody will fall out over it," Gerry said. Gerry, who won a Westmeath SFC medal with Tubberclair in 1985, has re-invigorated Ballymore this year (in his second campaign at the club). After they drew their opening group fixture (against Ballinagore) before losing by 2-11 to 0-4 against eventual divisional table-toppers (and automatic semi-finalists) C-F/C/W. "For Ballymore, the knockout stages have been beyond them, more often than not, in recent years, but Ballymore have always been a big, physical team, and one Tubberclair hasn't particularly enjoyed playing against. Ballymore probably lacked a bit of self-belief in the last few years, and while that seems to have improved this year, I suppose it's only going to be put to the test this weekend. "Tubberclair were intermediate champions and Leinster Intermediate finalists in 2009, and eight or nine of that team will probably feature this weekend, while Martin McCabe's careful guidance is a massive fillip for them. Tubberclair has some very notable and experienced players, and a few younger lads with lightning pace. But it's a two-horse race and championship football at its best, so I'd imagine the team with the greater desire, and that makes the least mistakes, while also taking their scores, will progress to the semi-finals," Gerry said. Tubberclair's form in the group stages was somewhat indifferent. They went into the final group match, against Garrycastle B, needing to win by a handsome margin, and to also hope for a favourable outcome to the Tang v Ballynacargy match. Ultimately, their 4-14 to 2-5 win (and a seven-point victory for Tang) ensured third-spot in the group, and set-up a quarter-final date with Ballymore (runners-up in Division B). Though Ballymore have plenty of experience through the likes of Denis Eivers, Barry McDermott and Derek Molloy, Tubberclair will be most people's favourites to progress this Saturday. Against Garrycastle, Tubberclair's forward-line clicked into action when required, and with Alan Coffey, Francis Spollen and Fergal Wilson key in this department (if Wilson is not relocated deeper), one would imagine them having too much for a gutsy Ballymore. The Doogan brothers, Liam and Thomas, 'Beano' Cassells, Conor Elliott and James Martin can also be key contributors, but they continue to be without long-serving stalwart Gary Connaughton, whose brother, Kevin, has done a capable job between the sticks in his absence. The winner of the match will progress to play Caulry in the semi-finals.