DERRYGONNELLY selector Paul Ward is expecting a ‘huge challenge’ when his side take on Erne Gaels, who are chasing a third consecutive senior championship title, in Sunday’s final.

The Harps know they will have to be at their best to dethrone the reigning champions, but Ward believes the work done in recent weeks has put his side in a good position to embrace the challenge.

With another final comes a special sense of excitement throughout the club and community and Ward is keen to ensure his players savour the occasion without losing sight of what lies ahead.

“There is always a buzz around the squad and community when the club gets to a championship final,” Ward told the ‘Herald.

“Although we have been fortunate to reach a number of finals in the last decade or so, we never want this group to take these days for granted.

“There have been plenty of men and women in our club who played for years and didn’t get to play in a senior championship final.

“We want our group to enjoy the build-up while still focusing on the huge challenge that awaits us next Sunday.”

Squad depth

The Harps’ run to the final has underlined the importance of having strength in depth, with their substitutes playing a decisive role in recent victories over Enniskillen Gaels and Belnaleck.

“The impact of the subs has been massive for us,” Ward explained.

“In the two games against Enniskillen and Belnaleck, it has been the subs getting us across the line.

“Three of our subs scored against the Gaels and against Belnaleck, everyone we introduced played a huge role in getting the win.

“The way the game is now, it is definitely a 20-man game.

“We are fortunate that we have got men who, while disappointed maybe not to start, have put their disappointment to one side and have made such positive impacts when introduced.”

That collective spirit in the Harps squad will be important against an Erne Gaels side bidding to extend its reign as Fermanagh senior champions.

Recognising the threats

Ward is under no illusions about the quality of the opposition.

“Erne Gaels are going for three in a row because they are an excellent team. They are an organised, physical, athletic team laced throughout with some outstanding footballers,” he added.

“The final group game showed we had a bit of ground to make up.

“We feel the hard work in training since then and the two incredibly tough games since has helped us bridge the gap.

“We feel we are in a good place as a group and at this stage, our boys are looking forward to Sunday and embracing the challenge that Erne Gaels will bring.”