When big Joe McDade (22) of Lisnaskea stretches that long, lean frame for a high ball- low flying seagulls duck.
For, the Fermanagh senior midfielder is one of the most commanding midfield figures in the Erne County and regularly teams up with Enniskillen’s Brandon Horan for the Erne senior squad.
He is joined by his almost equally tall younger brother Justy McDade (21) along with other towering figures like Tom Clarke and Mark Kelly for Lisnaskea as they lock horns with top Monaghan side Magheracloone in the Ulster Intermediate club championship in Brewster Park, Enniskillen on November 9.
It has been two great years for McDade and ‘Skea and he is really enjoying the journey.
“We targeted staying in the championship and we did more than that," he said.
“We were rightly relegated a few years ago and it was a wake-up call for us.
“Skea is a proud club with a great tradition so there was a bit of soul searching to do.
“We had been flirting with relegation for a few years- but we grew in confidence with the victories in the past two years and now we are really looking forward to the challenge that Magheracloone will undoubtedly bring.
“They were Ulster champions in 2019 and also reached the All-Ireland final, so there is a fair bit of experience in their side."
When asked why ‘Skea have come storming through Fermanagh in the past two years, McDade pays a warm tribute to the management set-up.
“I can’t say enough about our management team, and I have referred to it a few times already.
“They are second to none and are unbelievable. John Reihill and Johnny Feely never stop, and the player’s phones never stop either.
“They have brought so much expertise that would be rare in Intermediate football and our kick-out press has been really effective.
“They are also very good at getting matchups all over the field and really improved our attacking structure which is something that we really did not have before.
“Our scoring rate has increased considerably, and we are creating and scoring quite a few goals as well.
“That is something new and very exciting and we got two early goals against Irvinestown in the Intermediate final which was a great cushion to have as finals are always very tight and we toughed it out to the finish.”
McDade added: “There is a great buzz in the squad and in the town as well as football is so very important in Lisnaskea.
“We know we face a tough task against Magheracloone but it is one we are really looking forward to.”
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