Illies looking to turf out ‘Tarf

By Jonathan Downey jonathan@inishtimes.com Illies Celtic travel south this Saturday as their quest for FAI Junior Cup glory continues. The Inishowen side’s fifth round opponents are Clontarf Ailesbury, a Saturday football league side that formed just this year following the amalgamation of two leading sides. Though little is known about them, Dublin sides, no matter what level they’re playing at, are notoriously tough opponents. Canny Clontarf boss, Mick Earley, talked a lot without really saying anything when contacted by Inish Times Sport at the start of the week. “We’re only a new side and still getting to grips with gelling with one another,” he said cagily - before letting slip that they’d won five of their last six games. “Anything can happen in the cup,” he went on. “Nobody is favourite, as there’s very little we know of each other. “I had one previous game against Illies a few years ago but that’s it. All I can do is prepare the team the best I can.” Illies Celtic manager Brendan McDaid said his ever-improving team have nothing to fear going into the draw. He said: “We’re playing well at the moment. But they should be a strong outfit. Playing away from home is always tough and you may get a referee who won’t help our side. “The lads are up for it. It’s their first time in the draw for some of the players. It’s good experience as well. We’re going down with confidence after three cup wins and want to continue that good form.