Glen underlined their desire to claim a fourth Derry Senior Football Championship title when they overcame their great rivals Slaughtneil by 1-09 to 0-08 in Sunday’s enthralling Semi-Final.
They may have surrendered ground up until Sunday in the Derry Championship to some extent, but Glen certainly turned on the style when it was needed.
Conor Glass, Michael Warnock and Ethan Doherty proved key figures in their revival, with the aerial ability of Glass, the forceful thrusts from deep by Warnock and Doherty’s sustained work-rate proving key factors as Glen secured their place in the Final against Newbridge.
They may have lived dangerously on occasions, but Jody McDermott’s goal in the closing moments of the game ensured that title No.4 is still up for the taking.
Christopher Bradley, Brendan Rogers and Shane McGuigan spearheaded Slaughtneil’s effort to return to their glory days of not so long ago but, on this occasion, they were thwarted by Glen’s incomparable work-rate and hunger.
In the other Derry Semi-Final, Newbridge overcame O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt by 1-07 to 1-04, with a last-gasp Shane McGrogan goal cementing the arrival of Newbridge in the Championship decider.
O’Donovan Rossa looked to have taken a firm grip on the match at one stage, but Newbridge displayed considerable staying power to earn their right to get their hands on the Derry trophy for the first time in over 30 years.
In sharp contrast, there was bitter disappointment for 2002 Armagh All-Ireland winner John McEntee when his Inniskeen Grattans side fell to Scotstown in their Monaghan SFC Semi-Final (0-14 to 0-12).
Scotstown have now reached their 12th Monaghan decider in a row, and their opponents will be Clontibret, who overcame Ballybay by 0-14 to 1-09 on Sunday.
Scotstown hope to have their vastly experienced goalkeeper Rory Beggan on duty for the Monaghan decider.
In a match in which some of Monaghan’s senior citizens distinguished themselves, Conor McManus underlined his free-taking accuracy for Clontibret, while the Hughes brothers Ciaran and Darren also played a significant part.
Ironically, these are three players whose futures at inter-county level and indeed at club level would appear to be under discussion right now.
Former Monaghan ace Paul Finlay did his best in Ballybay’s colours, but Clontibret’s hunger was more palpable throughout.
Finlay has given sterling service to Monaghan down the years and is still putting in the effort at club level.