KINAWLEY’s young guns have risen to the challenge throughout the season and manager Shaun Doherty is now preparing his developing squad for the biggest test of all on Saturday.

The Boru’s face Devenish in the Fermanagh Intermediate Championship Final in Brewster Park, with Doherty hoping his side can cap a season of progress by bringing silverware back to the club.

For Kinawley, the occasion means more than the chance to lift a trophy.

Doherty, one of the club’s finest players, believes reaching the county final is a reward for the players and the wider community, who have backed the team throughout the campaign.

“Any day you get to a final is a good day. It lifts the community and everyone attached to the club is looking forward to it,” Doherty told the ‘Herald.

“We have a young, new squad and we’re in new territory, so we’re really looking forward to the occasion.

“We came in this year with the aim of helping the lads understand that you do this for the community and to bring people closer together.

“The build-up is also about giving people outside the team something to look forward to and keeping everyone focused.

“We’re under no illusion about how massive this game is, but we’re delighted to be there and we’ll enjoy the day.”

Tough challenge

Kinawley have had to rebuild following the departure of 13 or 14 players, but Doherty has been encouraged by the response of the younger members of his squad.

“These young boys have stepped up,” he explained.

“Week on week, we’ve seen them improve and show a willingness to learn.

“They’re getting to where we want them to be, and I don’t think they’re daunted by the occasion. They’ve steadily got better throughout the year.”

Their place in Saturday’s decider was secured after a fiercely contested encounter with Derrylin, with young players like Tiarnan McKenna and Dara Cathcart playing key roles for the Brian Boru’s.

It was a game Doherty believes showcased the resilience within his team.

“They were brilliant on the night. They probably thought they had us beaten a few times, but we showed great resilience. You couldn’t question the fight or determination of either team,” he said.

Kinawley still rely heavily on influential defender Patrick McGovern, while Ruairi Corrigan changed the game off the bench against Derrylin.

Doherty knows Kinawley will need to produce an even stronger performance to overcome their final opponents, Devenish St Mary’s..

“We’re going to have to be a lot better than we have been because Devenish are a step up, but we’re ready for the challenge,” he said.

Devenish have impressed in Division One, with Doherty highlighting their attacking threat and the successful integration of younger players into the team.

“They’re playing good attacking football and a couple of younger lads have really stepped up,” he said.

“Daniel McGovern and Taidhg O’Brien are players we’ve seen at underage level, so it’s great to see them making their mark.

“Their older players have also done really well. They’re an impressive team, and we have to prepare for them as best we can.”