By Pauric McGurn

VASTLY experienced Fermanagh hurler Ryan Bogue is itching to avenge the hurt of last year’s league final defeat when they take on Louth in this Saturday’s Division Four showdown.

This time last year they fell short against Warwickshire, but they’ve won themselves another shot at league honours with an impressive run of results in the new Division Four, winning five of their six games.

Their only defeat came at the hands of Louth so they’ll be hoping to rectify matters this weekend.

“Last year’s Division 3B hurling final really hurt us against Warwickshire. The year before that, we were relegated from Division Three and I suppose we felt a bit unlucky to be stuck in Division Four this season.

“We have that sorted now for 2026 but there is still an awful lot of hurling to be played starting with the final against Louth. They will be wanting to claim a win as well and the funny thing is we will be meeting them again in the Nicky Rackard Cup.”

Fermanagh haven’t just booked their spot in the league final, but they clinched promotion with a final-round win over Lancashire last Saturday.

“Lancashire were probably not the toughest opponents we had met but they still gave us plenty to ponder throughout the game and thankfully we did enough to win the game which gets us back up to Division Three hurling and climbing the ladder,” said the former Erne captain.

“We definitely played some really good hurling on Saturday and the points that some of the lads hit were really exceptional.”

Fermanagh’s championship campaign sees them play Armagh (home), Louth (away), Sligo (home), Roscommon (away) and Mayo (home).

Bogue knows the Nickey Rackard Cup will be a big test.

“Every game is a crunch encounter and no team will ever roll over and give you a victory. We are looking forward to it and know that if we can put in a performance then absolutely anything is possible.”

Bogue, who is now back living in Tempo for at least six months after his wife Aine took up a post in the South West Acute Hospital, feels the Fermanagh side can push on and claim the Division Four honours this weekend.

“We have a good winning run at the minute with five wins on the bounce and we feel that we are a match for anyone. Some of the younger lads are having tremendous seasons and there is no reason why we can’t topple Louth. Yes it will be a serious test for us but it’s one we are really looking forward to.”