On Sunday next Trim Intermediate footballers start the quest to return to the Senior grade in Meath club football for the first time since 2011. Two finals have been lost in the last nine years with Brendan Murphy as Coach of both teams. Its Murphys burning ambition to get Trim back to Senior level and he has been relentless in his efforts and micticlus in his preparation of the team to secure this much wanted promotion. The most recent final loss was last year , Trim had been very impressive in the group stages, magnificent in the semi final against Oldcastle but very disappointing in the final against Nobber. Brendan Murphy has had lots of time to reflect on things since the final last October and during the Covid 19 lockdown. He had his squad training individually throughout the lock down and at the start of the year he brought Olympic hopeful and Villanova Athletic graduate Harry Purcell on board to work with the boys on the fitness side of things. Yesterday I caught up with Murph as he is affectionately know by us all and threw a few questions at him.

Q: How have the lads coped with things since we returned to play ?

A: Firstly I think everyone is just delighted to be back training and playing games. It didn’t look like the return to play was going to happen so we all just
appreciate the fact we can play again. 

Q: In what way did the lock down affect your preparations ?

A: Like any other club we did not know if we were going to have any 2020 championship , so we had to work on keeping the lads fit and thankfully they all
completed there training routines individually. Harry has been a great help in that department. One other big change is having County Training suspended
until the middle of september, we have had access to all our players since we came back to play, this has been a huge benefit to training and league games.

Q: As a team how have the players and management reacted to the County Final defeat last season ?

A: All I can judge the players on is how they have trained and performed in the three games we’ve played since we returned, the attitude and hunger has been
very impressive and I’m delighted with their fitness through the lockdown. Our performance in the final was no way near what we are capable of and this
Sunday we have a chance to show what we can do. 

Q: What are your expectations for the 2020 championship ?

A: With such a tough opening game it would be silly to look beyond that. We need to be at our very best to get anything out of this game on Sunday. But in my
view we have a stronger squad this year, definitely the best squad we’ve have in many years so we are in a good position going into this game 

Q: Have you changed anything in your preparations for the first round tie against Rathkenny ?

A: Since we came back, with the squad being so strong we played lots of games between ourselves in training. This brought intensity and competition for
places which is critical in any successful team. Having the county players training with us full time has been a huge benefit to our preparations for the 2020
championship us. Obviously we have analysed the opposition but more importantly we need to have ourselves right.

Q: Rathkenny , your views on the match ob Sunday ?

A: After plying their trade in senior for so long Rathkenny will be favourites going into the game , very strong down the centre with the likes of Keogan, Meade,
Hannigan and Curtis. Managed by Dudley Farrell they will be well organised. This has the makings of a tight very entertaining game which both teams I’m
sure are looking forward to.

Brendan Murphy has put together a very strong squad this year , he also has a great management team, he is assisted by Mark Gilsenan, Demo Diarmuid Dempsey and Barry Moyles. Let's All hope that this is the year that the famous Red & White returns to the lofty heights of Meath Senior Club Football.

Best of Luck Murph !!!