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Fingallians not expecting any freebies at Fontenoy

FINGALLIANS are heading for the seaside. But they won't be bringing their buckets.

They know they'll need conviction, spades of it, to overcome Clanna Gael Fontenoy.

It's the second night of the Tesco Dublin Senior Football Championship. Fins have a win in the kitty.

"We were delighted to have beaten Naomh Mearnóg last week. They are a very good side," reflected Swords mentor, Paschal Barnwall.

"We got the breaks in that match, but we realise we face another tough one now. Clanns are never easy to beat at their place."

In their opening tie, the Ringsend club drew with Clondalkin's Round Tower. Paschal says that any win in this section is like gold-dust.

"I think it will be a very tight Group, so having the win under our belt is terrific.

"But we now know we face two very demanding tests against Clanns, and then next week against Tower's.

"We have been lucky in a way with the draw.

"We avoided all the big guns like Na Fianna, Ballyboden St Enda's and Foxrock Cabinteely.

"Getting the win will help us, but we just hope that we can keep it going now and that we stay injury free.

"Everybody has a chance in this section, and it's going to be tight," stresses Paschal.

In the other Group 1 clash, Portmarnock's Naomh Mearnóg are out against Clondalkin's Tower's, while in Group 2, it's Ballyboden St Enda's v Brigid's and Na Fianna versus the Foxrock Cabinteely.

The Lawless Park Dubs will help to keep the kettle boiling -- Sinead Finnegan, Fiona Hudson and Amy McGuinness.

That celebrated trio are in fine form. There's also talented young personnel.

"We just hope we can find the right blend," states Paschal.

The top two in each Group progress to the semi-finals. Fins would love to be in that hat.

"That's the aim, but it's not going to be easy. The standards are getting higher and higher every year.

"Look at Na Fianna last season. They won Leinster and reached the All-Ireland final. They are such a brilliant team.

"For our part, we'll just keep at it. The girls are dedicated.

"They work hard. And you can't ask for anymore than that."


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