After all, the events of early 2023, when Kilmacud were ultimately crowned All-Ireland champions after a three-week stalemate after the two teams met in a chaotic All-Ireland final, remain particularly vivid. It remains in my memory.
The Leinster champions brought extra players onto the pitch in the closing stages of the match, and it was after a series of meetings at the highest level within the GAA that Kilmacud were awarded the title.
But while the situation has long since subsided, Glenn’s desire to do better this time around is stronger than ever.
They may have had to exercise patience and perseverance on and off the pitch during that time, but the fire in their bellies will be more It’s probably similar. A towering hell.
Having won Derry and Ulster titles in each of the last two seasons, Glen’s desire to claim a slice of All-Ireland glory is not just sharpened, it is sharpened like never before.
Still, manager Malachy O’Rourke remains calm and collected, aware that Kilmacud’s recent results have to some extent rewritten their history.
“On the last day we felt Kilmacud deserved the win, but it was the way they won that let us down,” O’Rourke pointed out.
“But there was nothing wrong with the result. We know Kilmacud are a great team and we’re going to have to play better to beat them this time.
“This is a huge challenge in front of us and one we are looking forward to.
“What happened in the last meeting has long since been put on hold and today’s clash has no relevance. Kilmacud want to prove they can be winners again, but we are an All-Ireland club. We are very focused on securing a spot in the finals.”
Kilmacud’s dominance in Leinster over the past three years has been largely due to the influential members of the Dublin County squad, including Craig Dias, Paul Mannion and Rory O’Connell.
And in Galway sharpshooter Shane Walsh, Kilmacud have one of the best finishers on the island, with Dan O’Brien and Shane Horan also key players in the team.
However, Glen has developed immensely over the past two seasons, not only reaching new heights as a club, but also providing the Derry County team with valuable ammunition to remain kings of Ulster.
But Sunday will bring a new challenge for Glenn.
Conor Glass and Emmett Bradley will once again take on heavy midfield responsibilities, with Ciaran McFaul and Eunan Mulholland helping to organize the defence, and up front Shane McGuigan and Danny Tallon the goal-scoring leaders. It will be.
McFall and Mulholland in particular performed admirably in the Ulster Club final, with Mulholland’s three points a top-class finish and a great lesson.
Indeed, the way the Derry and Ulster champions concluded their win against Scotstown was very impressive, and if they can keep up such a strong pace in this showdown, they stand a chance of finishing off the tape ahead of their opponents this time around. There is enough.