Cleary Celtic ‘not feeling the pressure’ as they go in search of a fourth Mid Ulster Shield title in a row

Cleary Celtic are aiming to become just the second team in history to win four Mid Ulster Shield titles in a row on Easter Monday, when they face Carnbane League rivals Newry Celtic in the final.

However, Cleary boss John Hogg doesn't believe his side are under added pressure in chasing what only Oxford United (between 1989/90 and 1992/93) have achieved.

“I don't think the boys are feeling pressure, it's football, it's sport, it's your get-out from real life. They won't be feeling pressure but they're well up for winning it and hopefully we can do it.”

“It will be interesting,” said Hogg of the final showdown.

“It will be great for the town and hopefully there will be a good crowd at it. We're big rivals so it should be a good game.”

The Newry Celts ousted Cleary from the Bessbrook Cup a few weeks ago but all bets are off on who will take home the Mid Ulster Shield – a Carnbane League poll has the sides almost tied with Cleary marginally in front.

“It adds a bit of spice to it that a lot of the boys know each other well rather than playing a team from Mid-Ulster that they don't really know,” said Hogg.

Cleary have the tried and tested backbone of the team still intact but the manager has also brought in some impressive new young blood.

​“We have a lot of very talented U17s coming through now including Danny Shields who came on last week. His father played for Cleary as well,” said Hogg.

Former Player of the Year and top league striker Neil Barr has moved on to Seapatrick but stalwarts like Decky Monaghan, Benny Coulter, Mark Hughes, Fergal Laverty and Shay McAllister are still steering the ship.

Cleary may have a few men missing; TJ Hughes probably won't be ready to come back from an ankle injury and Marty Havern has an on-going injury that may keep him side-lined.

In terms of how this season has gone compared to the last few, Cleary had a lot to live up to.

Like Newry Celtic they were knocked out of the IFA Junior Cup early on and while the Bessbrook Cup quarter-final defeat was a disappointment for Hogg, another hugely successful season is still on the cards.

“We need to win the next few games and then it will be great,” he said.

“If you win the fourth Mid Ulster Shield title in a row and then the league, that's some achievement for the club and that's what we're aiming to do.”