McCague: Fresh faces key to Scotstown’s success

THE addition of fresh talent into the Scotstown changing room has only added to the champions arsenal and that youngers were key to another successful championship campaign, says manager David McCague.

Tommy Mallen gave a man of the match display and top scored for Scotstown as they claimed their 10th county title in 13 years with an extra time victory over Inniskeen last Sunday.

Max Maguire and Donnchadh Connolly, along with Mallen, were minors this time last year but have made the seamless transition into senior football and all three were in from the start last weekend.

“Tommy is a very talented kid, but he’s had a tough time with injuries since he was a minor,” McCague explained. “Dermot Foley our physio has spent a lot of time with him this year getting him ready for the rigor of senior football and thankfully he’s seeing out games now.

“Tommy, Max, Donnchadh and Sean Og McIlwain, he picked up an injury during the year, but they were four players that we were always very excited about in Scotstown, watching them grow up.

“There are other lads coming behind them, Mark McCaffrey is into our squad as well from this year’s minor team, Darcy Foy, Ellis Foy, Eoin Prunty.

“There’s a good crop of young fellas coming so we’re excited to see how many can come in and add to the group in the next few years.”

The influx of underage talent has allowed for a ferocious competition for places and standards in training have gone through the roof as well.

“The quality of the training is really the barometer for the squad, and it was very evident this year that when those young fellas came into the squad that they added to the quality of our training.

“If you’re getting good quality exposure in training a few nights a week then it helps you when it comes to the performance at the weekend’s so it’s very important for us.”

There are still the old, experienced heads knocking around as well, with the likes of the Hughes brothers Darren and Kieran along with Rory Beggan, Damien McArdle and Jack McCarron still doing the business.

The Scotstown bench was a big reason for them retaining their title as well. County men Conor McCarthy (who kicked 0-3) and Ryan O’Toole entered the fray to help McCague’s men over the line.

“It’s no secret that we have a few fellas on the other end of the scale and if we want to remain competitive in Monaghan, we’re going to have to replenish our squad as we go on and that process is always happening, but it took a bigger step forward this year.

“The bench was needed as well. I think we played 22 players on Sunday, and I know that Conor and Ryan, a lot was said about their impact, but Mark McPhillips did really well, Seán Treanor, Nicky Sherlock, all those fellas were unlucky not to get the nod to start.

“There’s other fellas in the background as well that would be disappointed that they haven’t played more football for Scotstown in the championship but we’re a very competitive group and we’re pushing each other to strengthen our squad every night.”

Collecting the Mick Duffy Cup has become an annual routine now for the An Bhoth club but familiarity hasn’t breed contempt on this occasion and McCauge’s side are delighted to still be the kingpins in the Farney County.

They go on to represent Monaghan in the Ulster Championship now and are still searching for their first provincial title since 1980. They begin their campaign with the challenge of Donegal champions Naomh Conaill in the opening round.

“We’re still soaking it in and processing it,” McCague said of their championship win. “It was a really hard battle with Inniskeen, and they really pushed us to the pin of our collars and just in fine moments of the game, some of our fellas stepped up with big moments.

“The ball broke our way, and we’re delighted to get over the line. It’s our 24th title in Scotstown and it means a lot to us so it’s a good achievement for us.”