GAELIC FOOTBALL: CASSIDY READY TO FACE THE RATH.

Byline: Orla BANNON

GERARD Cassidy knows Ballinderry must take their chances in the AIB All-Ireland club semi-final against Rathnew admitting: "We don't know when we'll be back here again".

If ever a team needed a reminder of that, Ballinderry got it this week when they were paired against rivals Bellaghy in the first round of the Derry senior championship.

Ballinderry wrestled the Derry and Ulster club crowns from Bellaghy last year and Cassidy knows their reign could possibly be a short one.

That's why the Shamrocks are determined to make the most of tomorrow's clash with in Longford (2.30).

"We have to make the most of this opportunity because it's a long way back," says Cassidy.

"It's hard to believe people are talking about this year's county championship already, but I suppose with us being Ulster champions and Bellaghy winning it the year before it's going to be a massive match.

"It's taken some of the distraction away from Sunday's game but we're not thinking about it yet anyway. All we're looking forward to is playing Rathnew."

Craic has been lively in Cassidy's workplace in Bellaghy this week - especially as he works with Bellaghy and Derry stars David O'Neill and Gavin Diamond.

It was at this stage last year that Bellaghy lost to eventual winners Crossmolina.

Ballinderry would love to go at least one better and the 23-year-old admits:"It'd be a dream to play in an All-Ireland final. The final's not in Croke Park this year but as long as we got there on St Patrick's Day I don't think any of us would mind where it was played.

"To be only an hour away from it now will hopefully spur us on even more."

Ballinderry have earmarked Rathnew forwards Tommy Gill and Ronan Coffey as the dangermen from the Leinster final replay extra-time win over Na Fianna.

It was the Wicklow side's first Leinster title and Cassidy expects a tough encounter.

"We've had a couple of looks at them now and they seem to have built up a good camaraderie over the last few years," adds Cassidy.

"We have a good team spirit too, though the rest of the parish will enjoy it than us!"

Rathnew weren't crowned Leinster champions until December 23 while Ballinderry were in action earlier that month beating Tir Chonaill Gaels in the quarter-final after their Ulster final success against Mayobridge.

It's been eight weeks since either side had competitive action and Cassidy reckons that could be crucial.

"We were playing very well before the Christmas break, but it's hard to know whether you can reach that level again straight away."

CAPTION(S):

FINAL FLING: Ger Cassidy wants to make most of his opportunity