Eamon wants to ‘Ward’ off Down threat

Eamon Ward is hoping for more of the same as Rock St.Patricks face a county Down semi-final hurdle in their bid to emulate the success of their 2007 team, the game against Drumaness at Celtic Park on Sunday.
Rock's Eamon Ward drives the ball past Killeshandra's Daien Higgins.Rock's Eamon Ward drives the ball past Killeshandra's Daien Higgins.
Rock's Eamon Ward drives the ball past Killeshandra's Daien Higgins.

The experienced Ward, one of seven survivors from the team which won the Ulster title seven years ago, admits that he personally doesn’t yet know a lot about the Mourne county champions but says he knows their meticulous management will have done more than ample research.

“Drumaness beat Kilclief by six points in the Down final and followed up with a win over Antrim representatives St.Malachys, 1-11 to 1-4 the score then, so they will be tough enough opponents” said the 28 year old electrician.

There’s no subsitute for experience is something you hear all the time but, talk to anybody who’s progressed in the championship beyond their county boundary, and that adage assumed even greater importance.

“And I think we are fortunate in having nearly half a team who were in the starting line-up during the previous campaign - Marty McCreesh, Ciaran Gourley, Tommy Bloomer, Cathal McWilliams, Liam Hoy, Niall Mullan and myself, as well as a few who were breaking into the squad back then.

“Another aspect of our game which has been key to our success this year is the fitness. We are fitter than we have been for quite a few years and that also helps instil belief in all the players” added Eamon, the son of dedicated club chairman, John Ward.

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