By Michael McMullan

GLENULLIN manager Paddy Bradley said his side are “not without a chance” despite being outsiders against Galbally on Sunday in Celtic Park.

The former Derry star took over his native club this season and steered them to victory over Drumsurn in a dramatic final.

The Glen’ came back from five and six-point deficits at different times to take the title of a point from Daniel O’Kane with virtually the last kick of the game.

Bradley has a full hand to pick from this weekend and appreciates the challenge his former Derry manager Paddy Crozier brings to Celtic Park.

“I know the bookies have Galbally as really strong favourites,” Bradley states, also referring to their final appearance three years ago, one of 11 times a Tyrone team has made a final in 23 years of the competition.

“They have been playing in the Tyrone senior league and doing fairly well. They were unlucky last year to come down with four teams which is tight going. We know they are a quality side, look I think we are not without a chance.”

Glenullin were behind in all but seven of their championship games this season. Apart from the major comeback in the final, the pattern has been consistent.

A quickfire start was followed by a combination of complacency and sloppiness forced them into a second surge towards the finish line and Bradley is still optimistic of their optimum performance.

“I still think we haven’t played to our potential this year. We have been just doing enough to get over the line without being spectacular,” Bradley said.

“From my point of view, you are always hoping there is a big game in them where they will click and hopefully it will be Sunday.

“It’s a good characteristic to have not played your best football, in my opinion, and still be doing enough to get through.”

Bradley managed Newbridge to Derry intermediate glory in 2017 before going down to a Moy team who went all the way to the All-Ireland title. He feels it’s a chance they left behind them after not stamping their full authority on a game they were in control of.

“There is a massive opportunity here,” he said of Sunday’s clash with Galbally. “I am not saying Glenullin is going to go on and win an All-Ireland, but the margins are usually very fine in these Ulster Championship games.

“It is a point or two either way, so there is a massive opportunity for these boys to do something that has never been done in the club before.
“While we have won senior and intermediate championships before, we have never made a mark in Ulster.”