Errigal Ciaran’s star-studded team outshines all others in Tyrone in terms of big names, but in Darragh Canavan’s eyes it all boils down to a handful of basic elements, including hard work and a touch of good fortune.
County champions in 2022, beaten finalists last year, the Dunmoyle club is never far from the cutting edge when it comes to challenging for titles.
They begin another championship campaign this weekend with a first round tie against Pomeroy, the reigning intermediate champions.
“I suppose you probably need a wee bit of luck here and there as well, along with the grit and determination,” said Canavan.
“There’s loads of things that add up to it, but anybody can beat anybody and it’s a hard one to call.”
Tradition weighs heavily in favour of Errigal Ciaran, the only Tyrone club to have won an Ulster title, but it won’t carry them over the finish line in a ferociously competitive championship.
“I think that’s everybody’s aim at the start of the year, to get as far as you can, but we’re aware that past years don’t matter,” said Canavan.
“We’re just worrying about this year, and about Pomeroy.”
Nothing will be taken for granted against a Pomeroy team that held its own comfortably in a first season back in Division One.
“They’re a quality team and they’ve caused a lot of teams bother this year, so were definitely not going to be taking them lightly,” said Canavan.
“We don’t really care what people thing about the game, we know how we’re taking it, how we’re going to prepare for it and that’s all that matters to us, is our group and how we’re preparing.
“We know what they’re capable of, and we’re just looking at them, trying to prepare as best we can for them, and that’s all we’re worried about at the minute.”
Errigal finished top of the Division One table despite restricting game-time for key players on the latter stages. No risks were taken with those carrying the slightest of knocks, and they go into the O’Neill Cup opener with a fully fit squad, with the exception of long-term absentee Cormac Quinn.
“We were just trying to get through the league without getting any major injuries, get as many games into boys’ legs as we can,” said Canavan.
“We finished strong, so we’re happy with how we finished.”
New manager Enda McGinley has brought a fresh approach and new ideas to the project, as he pressed on with the plan to emulate predecessors Mark Harte and Adrian O’Donnell in winning championship titles with the club as players and managers.
“Getting to work with a man like Enda is a pleasure, and Stevie [Quinn] and the rest of the backroom team.
“A few of us had them at minors, so we’re well used to how they work and what they want us to do.
“You can only learn from boys like that, and they have a great impact on us so far.”
