THE tans nourished in the Canaries a few weeks ago have started to fade and, instead, the reality of championship football in unpredictable February weather closer to home is of primary concern to Laune Rangers, Killorglin, as they prepare to take another step in defence of their AIB All Ireland club football crown with a semi final encounter against Crossmaglen Rangers at Portlaoise on Sunday.
Laune Rangers, seeking to become the first club since St Finbarr's of Cork in 1981 to retain the title, have made three changes from the team that overcame Clonakilty in the Munster final for Sunday's semi final showdown with the Ulster champions.
Mike Hassett, the current Kerry captain, returns after injury; Timmy Fleming, back after a voluntary break from the game, is named at midfield for his first championship start since last year's All Ireland final on St Patrick's Day, and Billy O'Sullivan is given the nod for the corner forward spot. Pa Murphy, Adrian Hassett and Conor Kearney are all demoted to the substitutes bench to facilitate the changes.
An indication of how seriously Laune Rangers are taking the defence of their title is that even the trip to the Canaries at the tail end of January, (in appreciation for the squad's achievements in winning three county titles in the past four years and back to back provincial championships) didn't unduly affect preparations.
"The dates, going out on January 24th, could have badly disrupted us, missing out on two weekends. However, we had three really tough sessions in heat of 39 degrees centigrade," said manager John Evans. "And since coming home, we've managed a couple of challenge games with Cork teams and the Kerry under 21s."
Twelve months on, Laune Rangers' build up has a familiar look. "We've much the same plan of action " admitted Evans. "But I believe it is twice tougher to actually retain the title. When you climb up onto a pedestal, you are there to be knocked off it. Last year, we were going into the unknown and at least we have the experience of being through it. Yet, I keep reminding the lads of how much enthusiasm we had last year and the attitude and belief we possessed - and I'm sure Crossmaglen will have all of that."
"Crossmaglen had to come through a very tough Ulster campaign, and I wonder if we would have managed to do it. We certainly won't be underestimating them on Sunday and when you see them travelling to a number of Dublin clubs and to Portlaoise for challenge matches, you know they are very well prepared," said Evans.
Laune Rangers haven't exactly had it easy themselves, and Evans is convinced some tough matches in defending their county title in Kerry stood to them in Munster, where they needed a replay to dismiss Rathgormack and then over came Clonakilty - "A magnificent footballing side, we were delighted to get over them," according to Evans - in the provincial final.
White the holders have named their side, Crossmaglen are keeping their cards close to their chests in the run up to the match. One selection poser for manager Joe Kernan concerns the goalkeeping berth. Paul Hearty, who was the regular netminder throughout the Armagh championship, missed the provincial campaign due to a broken ankle and was replaced by Jarlath McConville. Hearty has fully recovered from the injury and is pressing for a recall.
