By Michael McMullan

IT’S semi-final weekend in the Monaghan intermediate championship and former Farney star Shane McManus is hoping for a response from his Doohamlet side.

McManus played in three of the club’s four intermediate titles and after hanging up his boots in 2017, he was a selector in their 2018
success and is now manager, with Truagh man Pauric Treanor in as trainer.

Doohamlet take on 2016 champions Donaghmoyne, who hammered them 3-14 to 0-7 when the sides met on the opening game of the league back in June.

“That didn’t go too well,” McManus said. “That’s who we play on Saturday night in the championship, so that’ll tell you all you need to know about how we stand with them.”

Three wins saw Doohamlet qualify for the league play-offs and a victory over Corduff sets up a semi-final with Killanny after the championship is completed.

“It was a bit of an eye-opener that night up in Donaghmoyne,” said McManus, who wasn’t able to call on county duo Colin Walshe and Barry McBennett.

“They’d have been in the same boat as David Garland. He wouldn’t have been playing as he was (also) on the county panel, so it evened each other out.”

Doohamlet have been without injured captain Paul McArdle for most of the season, with vice-captain Barry McGinn stepping up in his absence.

In the championship, Doohamlet finished top of their group. After a draw with Tyholland in the penultimate game, their win over Cremartin booked their spot in this weekend’s semi-final.

Donaghmoyne finished second in their section and a 1-13 to 1-9 quarter-final win over Blackhill booked their spot in the last four.

“They (Donaghmoyne) have come down from senior last year and would have one of the strongest and biggest panels in Monaghan intermediate football. We’d be at the opposite ends of the scale.

“After the league game they’ll be favourites to win it, but if we perform we’ll not be far away either.”

MANAGER… Shane McManus playing for Monaghan in 2005