Erne Gaels have almost become accustomed to experiencing that so near yet so far feeling that can burden teams for whom success continues to remain tantalisingly out of reach.
More than four decades have elapsed since the Belleek side sampled Senior Championship glory and on Saturday evening they will again go head-to-head with Enniskillen Gaels in a Fermanagh Championship Final replay at Brewster Park (5.00pm).
In contrast to the Erne Gaels’ trophy drought — they have waited 43 years for the top prize — the Enniskillen side took delivery of the county title in 2022, their previous success having been in 2006.
Erne Gaels succumbed to Derrygonnelly Harps in last year’s decider, leading to their quest for success morphing into a voracious hunger for the title in the interim.
Enniskillen Gaels manager Simon Bradley admits that it has not all been plain sailing but he acknowledges that his team’s familiarity with success has bolstered their morale and sharpened their hunger for silverware.
Erne Gaels may encounter what could prove to be a handicap on this occasion given that their manager Declan Bonner will not be patrolling the touchline following the red card which he received in last weekend’s game.
Nonetheless, Erne Gaels have shown that they are capable of breathing fire and with the three Kelm brothers — Ultan, Oisin and Aoghan — very much on top of their game right now, their spirit and example may again permeate the side given that so much is at stake in this clash.
While Enniskillen Gaels may have thrived as a team unit this campaign, they have also managed to cement their reputation on an individual front.
Johnny Cassidy is one of the top players in Ulster right now and his anticipated head-to-head battle with Ultan Kelm could prove to be a major factor in determining the outcome of the game.
Cassidy’s defensive nous allied to his counter-attacking ability marks him down as a force to be reckoned with and if he is allowed to cut loose then Erne Gaels could find the going particularly tough.
Not that Enniskillen Gaels are a one-man show — not by any means, indeed.
Conor Love, Conor McShea, Callum Jones, John Enhill and Richard O’Callaghan are all capable of rising to the occasion.
Love in particular carries a big threat in attack and his finishing skills are complemented by his creative flair which ensures that he will pose a big threat.
Like their opponents, Erne Gaels have their quota of high-profile performers in Ryan Lyons, Dan McCann, Paul Ward and Martin Gilfedder in addition to the talented Kelm trio.
Given that both sides boast strong defensive units, the game doesn’t appear to be likely to witness a scorefest.
However, should Enniskillen get into their stride they could take a grip on proceedings that might leave Erne Gaels battling to remain in contention.
It was in the closing stages of last weekend’s game that nerves became frayed with each side missing an opportunity to clinch the tie and it might prove to be a case of same again, only this time round it is certain that the trophy will find its way into the custody of one of these two sides.