Promotion the target for Cribbin
OFFALY manager Tom Cribbin begins his first full league campaign at the helm this Sunday. The Kildare native took charge last year midway through the league and guided the side to third in Division 3.
Speaking ahead of the season opener, the Offaly manager spoke to the Offaly Express and he was adamanat that the aim for the league was promotion although he did acknowledge that a tough battle lies ahead.
"Definitely the aim is promotion without a shadow of a doubt. All the teams will feel that there is no team that stands out above the others. We are all in with a fighting chance but we have four league matches at home and if we can capitalise on our home games and pick up a few points away we will be there or thereabouts."
Offaly begin their campaign this Sunday in O'Connor Park against Fermanagh. The Ulster side have played four competitive games in advance of the start of the league and while Tom Cribbin is confident his side can open with a win, he acknowledges that Fermangh's preparations will benefit them.
"Everyone wants to win their first game. Fermanagh though are after having four competitive games in the McKenna Cup and they beat Armagh, Monaghan and Jordanstown. It's to be difficult for us as they have been getting two competitive games a week. But because we have had so many new players into the panel and four of fives lads away playing for their colleges and another four out through injury it's been a little bit more difficult for us to prepare."
While the college players will be back in the ranks this Sunday, Tom Cribbin will still be without a number of experienced players and he says that he may use some of the Under 21s who will be in action for their clubs this week.
"The two Darbys (Brian and Niall) and PJ Ward probably won't be back until tlater in the league. We may have to use some of the Under 21 players. Some of them have a lot of experience from playing with the county. Sean Pender has a lot of experience playing underage with the county and he's playing extremely well at the moment. Brian Connor is playing midfield with AIT and is playing county Under 21. He's also playing very well but at the same time we have to let the Under 21 club championship go ahead this weekend so providing none of those young players pick up any injuries, they will be in contention for Sunday."
Fermanagh are the bookies favourites to top Divison 3 ahead of Sligo and Wexford. While the Offaly manager agrees that Fermanagh are a strong side, he also points to last weekend's results as a sign of the strength in the division.
"I think looking at the results last weekend where Wexford beat Westmeath reasonably well without some of their star players. I believe Matty Forde is going very well in club football down there. As well as that Louth beat Kildare in Newbridge making two good results for them.
"I think every game in Division 3 this year is going to be very very difficult. I think all teams are going to lose points and whichever team can get the most points at home will probably get promotion."
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Weather for Tullamore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
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Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
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