CHANGING CIRCLES: Fifteen years ago, Ray O'Connor was a member of a Glenanne first XI defeated 9-0 by Dublin YMCA. Now, O'Connor has become the first Irishman appointed to umpire in the Olympic Games and Glenanne are favourites to heat YMCA in the Cable and Wireless sponsored Leinster Senior Cup final at Grange Road on Monday and to carry off the Mills trophy for the first time in their second appearance in the final.
The only senior silverware to have come Glenanne's way was the Neville Cup in 1986. But having won four Leinster under 16 and two under 21 finals in the last eight years, as well as the Irish Junior Cup last season, the club's development programme has steadily yielded dividends.
Now able to challenge the sides at league level to match Holywood in the Senior Cup - Glenanne seem poised to overcome YMCA, whose personnel has changed so much since overcoming Avoca in this season's decider. The better balanced count particularly on those who have gained youth representative honours, notably Paul Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Bolger, Alan Browne, Roly O'Donoghue and Graham Shaw.
In this respect, YMCA's under 18 international William Powderly is unfortunate to miss the game because of concussion. Only four of last year's winning side will be defending the trophy - Greg Finn, David Bryce, Quentin Heaney and Andy Robertson. However, Peter Creighton has become a powerful figure at the back and played a major role in the startling elimination of Three Rock Rovers.
In the most recent league meeting, though, Glenanne beat YMCA 2-0 and that margin would reflect abilities on Monday, with the Tallaght side having the sharper attack.
While victory would be relished particularly in the Glenanne camp by the Shaw family, the Butlers, Frankie Byrne, Terry Cooney, Brendan Carr, Eddie O'Malley and Paul Moore, another club pushing through earnestly at youth level is Railway Union. Having ousted Glenanne, Railway are in the under 16 final against Three Rock Rovers. Not surprisingly, two O'Mearas, Graham and Gregory, and two O'Briens, Niall and Kevin (whose three elder brothers play for the senior team), are included in a squad captained by Keith Walsh and spearheaded by Brendan Parsons.