By Shaun Casey

ERNE Gaels Jack McCann is relishing another crack at the Ulster Championship when they take on Kingscourt in Saturday’s first-round clash at Kingspan Breffni.

It’s only their second voyage into the competition, having been there last year after claiming their first championship crown since 1981. Their time was short-lived, however, as they suffered a 0-19 to 0-6 defeat at the hands of Monaghan champions Scotstown.

Kingscourt, on the other hand, haven’t made it out of Cavan since 2015, so the journey into the provincial scene will be a new one for a whole host of their players.

“We came up against a very good Scotstown team last year and they’d been at this level for ten years or more. They’re used to competing at this level and they are one of the top teams in Ulster if not the whole country,” said McCann.

“They were a massive test for us, and we probably didn’t do ourselves justice. I remember walking off the field that night and just thinking that I wanted to get back to this stage again and thankfully we’re there.

“We’re coming up against a Kingscourt team that is going to be very, very tough as well but it’s something we’re relishing, just to get another crack at this competition. There’s a lot of great teams in the province and you want to be competing against them.

“I’m sure Kingscourt are loving the chance to compete against the top teams as well, and that again makes it a very special competition for all the teams that are in it.”

Kingscourt are here on merit, of course, but there is one name that instantly jumps off their team sheet. Meath sharpshooter Jordan Morris has been doing the business for the Cavan club and Erne Gaels are well aware of his potential.

“Jordan is coming off a great year there with Meath and he was great for Kingscourt in their county final as well. It’s going to be a challenge coming up against him but it’s something we’re really looking forward to.”

It took Declan Bonner’s side a replay to eventually retain their Fermanagh title, seeing off Derrygonnelly at the second time of asking. McCann and his teammates were relieved to get their hands back on the trophy.

“It’s the second year in a row that we had to go to a replay but that’s what it takes, it’s a competitive championship,” McCann added. “We’re lucky because we didn’t perform as we would like in a couple of the games throughout the championship.

“A lot of the games came down to the last few minutes, and we were able to claw it back to get the result. The first Derrrygonnely game, we just got the draw but going back-to-back is just special for the club.

“It’s the first time ever doing that so it’s history made. The celebrations on the pitch after were just unbelievable and something you’ll always remember.”