Murtagh hails unheralded heroes

Donal Murtagh is hoping to guide his side to a sixth Ulster title

Pairc Esler, Newry
Sunday, 25 November
Throw-in: 1400 GMT
Live on BBC Radio Ulster MW & the BBC Sport website.

Donal Murtagh believes the "biggest secret" of Crossmaglen's success in recent years has been the efforts of the club's unheralded players.

Murtagh acknowledges that Armagh stars such as Oisin McConville and the McEntee brothers have made a "massive contribution" over the past 12 years.

"But we have never relied on county players," Murtagh told BBC Sport.

"If Oisin McConville or John McEntee or Tony McEntee had a bad day, somebody else always stepped up."

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Speaking ahead of Sunday's AIB Ulster Club final against St Gall's, when Crossmaglen will be aiming for the club's sixth provincial title in 12 seasons, Murtagh pinpointed squad strength as the main reason for Rangers' success.

"We always had quality players on the bench that we could bring on and maybe turn the game around for us," added the Crossmaglen manager.

Those who have fallen into this category over the years have included the likes of Micheal Moley and Cathal Shortt.

In addition, the emergence of the likes of Martin Aherne, Michael McNamee and Stephen Clarke, as well as the four Kernan brothers, has been vital in recent seasons.

If you listen to the supporters, every game is an easy game for us Crossmaglen manager Donal Murtagh

"I don't think Martin Aherne has played much at underage level for the county but he has been exceptional in our last three games," said Murtagh, of the player who hit both goals in last weekend's Ulster semi-final win over Dromore.

"Mickey McNamee has only played under-21 for Armagh and he's been exceptional in the last couple of games.

"Our midfielder Stephen Clarke hasn't played intercounty football at any level but he's been great for us as well.

"The Kernan brothers have all joined the panel this last six or seven years and you have fellows like David McKenna, Kyle Carragher, Paul McKeown, Stephen Finnegan and I could go on."

Crossmaglen's starting line-up on Sunday is likely to have only three of the team which started against Knockmore in the 1997 All-Ireland decider.

However, the McEntee brothers and Oisin McConville continue to be vital players for the Rangers, as Murtagh readily acknowledges.

"They are exceptional players and there is no problem motivating them (despite all their successes).

Murtagh says Tony McEntee's good example helps the younger players

"They are a big part of the reason why we have been there this last 12 years because of their hunger and drive.

"John McEntee is captain again this year. He was man-of-the-match in our last two games so John's hunger is not on the slide and Tony would be very similar."

Murtagh says the example of Crossmaglen's elder statemen has been crucial to the development of the new brigade.

"You have the experienced players still there to show the younger boys the right way to do things.

"They've shown them how to prepare properly for matches and not to be getting sidetracked by newspapers or talk by the supporters.

"If you listen to the supporters, every game is an easy game for us."

This week Murtagh got hold of a DVD of St Gall's recent matches but he insists that he doesn't know a great deal about the Antrim champions.

"I know that they are a quality side. The proved that two years ago and they probably should have won an All-Ireland.

"They must feel that they left one behind and they will be out to get a second go this time round."