Clonduff are favourites says Coleraine coach

“Clonduff have won the Down championship several times in the last few years and they have experience playing the Ulster Club Championship that our players don’t have,” Joe told Times Sport.

“I reckon we will really be up against it, they have the pedigree and a point to prove having been there a few times. We are total novices at this level. They had a real battle in the semi final and were impressive the way they kept going to hang on and win.”

Joe went on: “People maybe think because Lavey won this compeition last year that someone else from Derry can just pitch up and win it too. It doesn’t work like that.

“Lavey are a very good team and they worked seriously hard to win Ulster. This will be our hardest game of the season by some distance. Likewise our players are ready for it and have trained for it.”

The Coleraine coach believes Clonduff will be well prepared.

“They are coached by John Crossey who’s a wily old fox.

“He knows some of our players having taken camogie teams up at the Poly over the years and he’ll be ready for us. They are a strong physically mature team with a number of big names. The Carrs are big powerful women who are hard to stop when they get motoring.”

But Joe is confident his players can step up to the mark.

“These are leaders on this team. The likes of Grinne, Grace, Jane and Mabh are hugely experienced and Maria is a great example among the next generation of players.

“These girls are probably the better known among the squad, but it is a team game. They have all been training since January and we would be confident anyone called upon will do their best for the team.”

“Next Sunday evening the season will either be over or we will have a new set of problems to think about. Either way it doesn’t diminish what these players have done for themselves. the Eoghan Rua club and this area.

“There is a good blend of youth and experience and it’s nice for the younger players to have this experience so early in their careers.”

“Derry is a very competitive county to get out of, you never know if and when you will make it back so we aim to make the most of it. Clonduff will be hard to beat but if the door opens we will be looking to walk in through.”