The Roscommon hurling manager Justin Campbell is a happy man this year because he has seen his charges put in the hard work and commitment that is required to challenge for honours.
He is hoping that the rate of improvement shown by Roscommon in this championship is maintained for the final and if the rate of progress continues then he is confident that the tables can be turned on the favourites Armagh on Saturday.
Justin, and his backroom team of selectors Tom Fallon and Joe Mannion, physio Niamh Madden and team trainer Noel Larkin will be leaving no stone unturned in preparation for this big game.
“There is a great vibe in the camp since we won the semi-final and the lads are really looking forward to playing in Croke Park. I just hope that they will not let the occasion get to them because we know that they are capable of playing good hurling. Armagh have been in Croke Park a few times in recent years and have won this competition, so they have a bit of an advantage in that regard.
“Confidence in our camp is rising all the time. We have had some very good wins in this championship and the victory over Tyrone in the semi-final so far away from home has brought us on again. I have been so proud of the way the lads on the panel have applied themselves this year and the efforts that they have made in terms of commitment and training has been a credit to them.
“Armagh have been operating at a consistently higher level than us in recent years and you would wonder how they are actually in this competition at all, but that’s a debate for another day. The bottom line is that if Roscommon hurling wants to progress we have into get into the Christy Ring Cup, and stay there too.
“This is a very important game for Roscommon hurling. We have close enough to a full squad and we will go into the game in a confident mood. If the players can perform to their ability I can see us getting a positive result. It is a great day for our players to be playing in a national final in Croke Park. It would be even better if we won it and we are well capable of doing so” he concluded.
