Naomh Padraig depart for London ahead of rescheduled All-Ireland clash with Tara

Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin are London-bound once more this afternoon as they take to the air for their rescheduled AIB All-Ireland Club JFC quarter-final clash with English champions Tara. 

The original fixture bit the dust back in early December when it fell foul to the weather and a water-logged pitch. 

Naomh Padraig now find themselves back at McGovern Park tomorrow, Sunday, at midday but, again, there is a fear that the elements coils scupper plans to get the fixture played. 

Snow, ice and heavy rain are set to sweep over Ireland this weekend while the English capital is also bracing itself for a similar forecast. But McCauley is optimistic the game will be played. 

“We’re flying out of Belfast into Luton on Saturday at 2pm,” McCauley explained. “We’re scheduled to travel back Sunday evening via the same route. 

“Looking at the forecast, we’re hopeful it won’t be too bad and we’ll get the game played and get the desired result. 

“The postponed fixture, it just couldn’t be helped but it was a frustrating one for everyone involved, including supporters that travelled in their droves. 

“Landing at the venue, you knew stepping onto the pitch that the odds were against us. The referee was of the same opinion. He gave it a little time, did the three official inspections but there was just too much water on one end of the field. 

“It was a real blow for those that travelled but for us, we’d to just take it as it was and just look to reset. It sort of turned into a team bonding trip in the end and it was nice to spend that time together." 

Naomh Padraig have had to tick over ever since and - over the Christmas period - that’s especially difficult. 

But McCauley says his players have towed the line and that spirits are high as they once again head cross-channel. 

“Just like every other week, the boys have given and done everything we’ve asked of them. 

“We were fortunate enough to have a number of challenge games in between. They were, for obvious reasons, particularly useful. So it's all systems go once more". 

If the Donegal and Ulster champions were to scale Sunday’s hurdle, they’d immediately have to turn attentions to an All-Ireland semi-final next Sunday with Cork champions Kilmurry lying in wait.  

But none of that is of any concern to McCauley just yet. 

“They beat the Kerry champions so that tells you a lot about Kilmurry. That game is fixed for Parnell Park next weekend which is a short turnaround for whoever comes through our game. 

“But look, none of that is on anyone’s radar at this particular moment. If we were fortunate and good enough to get through, we’ll cross that bridge then”.