FROM the low against Carlow to the lift of Longford, Fermanagh’s Tailteann Cup campaign has steadied. Ten days on from that much-needed win, Kieran Donnelly now wants his side to make the most of an ‘unexpected’ Croke Park stage — and secure a home tie in the next round.

“The Carlow game was definitely a bump in the road,” admitted Donnelly. “It has proven across the board that any teams that have been coming off their provincial championship exit don’t perform that well in their next game – and that was true of ourselves.

“But I was very proud of how the boys got back to task in the Longford game. We knew that it was a must-win game and with that bit of added pressure we coped with that well. We performed well down in Longford, which is always a tough place to go, so we take the positives from that and look to build into this weekend.”

Fermanagh’s 2-19 to 0-7 victory over Longford reignited belief and sharpened focus ahead of Sunday’s final group game — one that just happens to take place at GAA HQ. The reward for a win is straightforward: a guaranteed home preliminary quarter-final at worst, with a possible direct quarter-final spot if results go their way.

“That is the goal,” said Donnelly. “I think every team going into it is looking for either a home quarter-final, or a home preliminary quarter-final, so that’s the objective — and I suppose winning makes it clearer, so we’re focused on that.”

Standing in the way are a Wexford side Fermanagh know well — and respect. Their last meeting, in May 2023, ended in a 1-13 to 1-13 draw at Brewster Park, a match remembered for Darragh Brookes’ dramatic 78th-minute leveller.

Two years on, with many of the same players involved, Donnelly says learnings were taken from that meeting.

“The one thing that Wexford have — and we take note from that game in 2023 — was how athletic and mobile they were, and their ability to shoot from distance,” he said.

“I suppose with the new two-point rule now, that’s something we’re going to have to be wary of. They have quality forwards and an extremely athletic half-back line, which they had that day in Brewster Park.

“They’re a team I respect a lot. Watching them throughout the year — they’re games that we have seen — they’ve had an extremely good year in their own respective division, and they’re obviously an up-and-coming team with quite a mix of youth and experience. So, it’ll be a really good game. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I think it’s what you’ve got to expect, going into any game with the magnitude of getting to a quarter-final, or the next stage.”

As for team news, Donnelly confirmed he expects to have a full hand to pick from, though acknowledged the usual logistical hurdles with panel confirmation in the lead-up to Sunday’s game. With the final 26 due to be submitted by Tuesday evening (last night), any late changes beyond that point require a medical exemption.

“All players we expect to have available are,” he confirmed.

Fermanagh’s clash with Wexford throws in at 1.45pm on Sunday and opens a televised double-header at Croke Park, with Dublin facing Armagh at 4pm. Both games will be streamed live on GAA+.

While the capital setting brings its own sense of occasion, Donnelly was keen to keep the focus firmly on the task ahead — though he hopes the venue will inspire the players.

“It’s an important game in its own right — the last group game — but playing in Dublin makes it more of an occasion,” he said.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for the players. Everybody wants to play at Croke, from a young age, so for us to get this chance, it’s been a bonus to us as a squad. Everybody’s looking forward to it.”

That bonus, however, will count for little if Fermanagh leave empty-handed.

They reached last year’s quarter finals before falling to Antrim, and this time around they’ll be eager to improve on that. The next step starts with a job to do at Croke Park on Sunday.

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