fonaCAB St Paul’s Ulster Minor Tournament semi-final: Clann Eireann (Armagh) v O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt (Derry) (Sunday, St Paul’s GAC, 1pm)
“I’m trying to be as diplomatic as I can! It’s a happy medium with these things. They’re young lads, they’re entitled to go and enjoy their Christmas.”
Clann Eireann manager Tommy Coleman’s enjoyment of his own holiday season may well depend on how this Sunday goes, as the Ulster Minor Tournament semi-final beckons.
He’s glad however that they’ve been drawn to play in the first of those, rather than the second on St Stephen’s Day.
Notably, the last two winners of this competition played semi-finals this side of Christmas, as Four Masters atoned for their defeat to Dungiven in 2022 in beating Cavan Gaels last year.
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‘If you’re still in it when the Christmas tree is up then you’re not going too badly’ - Tommy Coleman’s minors striving for more Clann Eireann success
It gives just that little bit more control in the most hectic period of the calendar year:
“I’d imagine both sides are happy we’re out this side of Christmas. There’s so much to manage around with celebrations etc.
“At least this way you can cut the lads a wee bit of slack and get back into it, it’s definitely a wee bit easier to manage.”
Clann Eireann’s run this far has been typical of an extraordinary year for the Lurgan club. Coleman is well aware it has been unprecedented, as success seeps down the club’s hierarchy.
It started back with the Armagh Ladies Lidl National League win according to Coleman. Seven Clann Eireann players were represented in Orchard colours, and he’s confident an All-Ireland is within their grasp after injury impacted preparation for their All-Ireland semi-final.
The men defeated Clan na Gael in an all-Lurgan Armagh SFC final while the ladies’ team retained county and provincial titles too.
The three men that claimed Sam Maguire “really did mean a whole lot” to the club, he says.
And even as 2025 beckons, Clann Eireann refuse to let up:
“As I do say, if you’re still in it when the Christmas tree is up then you’re not going too badly!
“These lads are a superb bunch. They’re very self driven. They’ve integrated with our intermediate and senior sides, training with those lads, and they’ve seen the levels of commitment that go into it.
“They’ve brought those levels into our minor group. The expectation is now there. There’s no nonsense. They’ve shown the standards to the younger lads.”
Magherafelt too have been on a journey, with MacRory, Paul McGirr Cup and county minor adventures to speak of. They’re no strangers to the latter end of big competitions, in spite of the fact the Derry side have never won a St Paul’s title.
Coleman admits his side are underdogs, but they will have no fear of their opponents:
“We’re under no illusions. Magherafelt are a good side. They have quality all over, and they have great experience.
“They’re only after winning the U16 Ulster title, so they’re formidable and we know we will have to lift it up a notch.
“We’ll prepare as best we can and give everything we have. What we’ll be saying inside the dressing rooms will be different to what we’re saying here.
“Our boys will have total belief and they’ll be confident that they can perform. They’ll leave everything out on the pitch.”
One advantage Clann Eireann have on 2023 Orchard County representatives Clan na Gael is the fact this competition is back to U18 level, aligning with the Armagh championship once again.
Coleman is a forward thinker in every sense when it comes to football, believing that playing attacking football is the ‘only way’:
“Our biggest challenge as a management is getting a balance of training, getting lads to come back in and adapt to our style.
“Every team has a different style, and that’s not making excuses, because every team has interruptions with MacRory football and U21 and whatever else.
“For me, there’s only one way to play football, and that’s on the front foot.”
With the likes of James McCooey and Euan McAreavey firing, Tommy Coleman’s charges look well equipped to do just that.
In a golden year for Clann Eireann, the Ulster Minor Tournament final is within their grasp.