Garrycastle harbour serious Leinster ambitions

GARRYCASTLE manager Anthony Cunningham thinks a burning desire within his players to make a serious impact on the Leinster Club championship will greatly help their cause when they face Clonguish of Longford on Sunday (throw-in: 2.30pm) with a place in the semi-finals at stake. The Athlone-based side have flattered to deceive somewhat after qualifying for the Leinster championship in recent years but there is a general feeling that Garrycastle could make a major impression on this year's competition after convincingly disposing of St Loman's in this year's county final. Speaking ahead of Sunday's game at Pearse Park, Longford, Cunningham said: "We believe Leinster is wide open this year and it's true the players want to do really well in it. "There are good levels of confidence and togetherness within the panel and some of our football this year has been very good at times. A lot of hard work and commitment was required to get to this stage of the competition but the players are very determined to make their mark. The ability is definitely there but we know Clonguish are serious opponents." Cunningham knows exactly what's required to achieve provincial glory having previously guided St Brigid's to a Connacht title and also a runners-up place. "We are well up for the challenge of competing in Leinster," said the former Galway hurler. "We got straight back into training shortly after the county final and things have been going very well in that respect. Obviously we won a league semi-final and final in recent weeks and also had a number of challenge matches in which we performed well. The lads have been training well since the county final and are really looking forward to this test," added Cunningham. The Garrycastle manager is also happy to be leading a team that is representing Westmeath in the Leinster championship. "We are there representing Westmeath and I think the players are delighted to be doing so. Perhaps the players have witnessed the likes of Tyrellspass doing so well in Leinster in recent years and want the same thing. The attitude of the players is top-notch and we also have a lot of talent, both young and more experienced, and hopefully that can take us far in the Leinster championship. Garrycastle have perhaps let it slip in Leinster in recent years and there's a real hunger to do well. It will be very tough against Clonguish because they are more than formidable opposition. I certainly think it will be a close call because Clonguish have several players who can cause serious damage if given an opportunity," said Cunningham, who, if needed, can call on the services of David and John O'Shaughnessy, and Patrick Mulvihill this weekend after the trio were plagued by a catalogue of injuries over the past year. "It's always a very positive thing when potentially key players return to the set-up. I think those lads are really fine players and can make a definite impact if called upon at the weekend," said Cunningham.