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Martin Greene recalls Harps titles ahead of county final

“Archie” remains one of the most respected figures in Harps history after decades of service as player, manager and leader.

Greene was just 20 when Derrygonnelly captured their first county title in 1995. Playing at midfield alongside Sean Flanagan, he was part of a team that sparked unforgettable celebrations.

“The celebrations were something else and must have gone on for at least a week,” he recalled. “I played midfield with Sean Flanagan and my brother Paul was on the 40.”

That team featured many figures who would continue to serve the club for years, including John McGovern, Dermot Feely, Kevin Cassidy and Micheál Glynn. Greene remembers a dressing room packed with leaders and characters such as Donal Corrigan, Garry Smyth, Niall Smyth, Paul McGrady, Kevin McGrath and Flanagan.

A stylish midfielder with confidence and determination, Greene went on to win three county titles as a player and later achieved an equally remarkable feat by leading the Harps to three consecutive county championships as manager. He also represented Fermanagh at senior level.

The foundations of Derrygonnelly’s modern success were laid in 2015 when Greene took charge of a talented young squad. He first spotted the potential of players such as Stephen McGullion, Shane McGullion, Gary McKenna and Eoin Cassidy as they progressed through the underage ranks.

“They were cut from a different cloth,” he said. “They had speed and power, while experienced men like Kevin and Declan Cassidy gave us balance. We felt that with a fresh approach we could harness that potential.”

That belief was rewarded when the Harps defeated fancied Roslea in the county final. However, the triumph came in difficult circumstances following the death of club stalwart Damian McGovern.

“That was a very emotional homecoming,” Greene said. “It was hard for the players and hard for everyone connected to the club, but it was nice to bring the cup home for his wife Leanne and the family.”

He takes particular satisfaction from seeing Damian’s sons, Rian and Ronan McGovern, now playing key roles for the club.

Greene also recalls the first county final victory over Erne Gaels in 2016 as one of the defining moments of the Harps’ golden era.

“Only for the last five or six minutes, Belleek had us beaten,” he said. “A great save from Dermot Feely kept us alive and then Leigh Jones and Declan Cassidy came off the bench and got crucial scores.”

He described the game as a fierce tactical battle with Maurice McLaughlin’s side and believes it marked the beginning of a rivalry that remains strong today.

Looking at the current Harps panel, Greene sees many of the same qualities that underpinned previous success.

“They are level-headed, grounded footballers who work hard for each other and there is a great sense of unity,” he said. “The younger players have come through together and bring serious pace, while the experienced players continue to lead.”

He believes the squad is adapting well to new rules, with kick-passing becoming increasingly important, while leaders such as the McGullions and Oisín Smyth continue to drive standards.

Assessing Sunday’s opponents, Greene expects a huge challenge from an Erne Gaels side chasing a third successive county title. He highlighted Ryan Lyons, Ultan Kelm and Dan McCann as major threats, particularly from two-point range.

“They are very dangerous around the arc and that is something Derrygonnelly will need to nullify,” he said.

While Belleek’s defence looked vulnerable at times in the semi-final, Greene expects a much tighter contest in the final.

“I can’t see too many goals. Both defences will be well organised and there will be a lot of football around the middle third.”

He believes Belleek’s experience remains a major asset despite having several players over 30.

“A 30 to 32-year-old is much fitter today than years ago,” he said. “With modern preparation and conditioning, those players could go on for another three or four years.”

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