By Michael McMullAn
FERMANAGH’S Rory Porteous hopes the county can build on a successful season by carrying their momentum into the 2022.
The Lisbellaw skipper and teammate Seán Corrigan, the Lory Meagher Player of the Year, were named on the GAA’s Champion 15 selection this week, capping off a fine season for Fermanagh hurling.
The selection comes from teams across the Nickey Rackard, Lory Meagher and Christy Ring Cup competitions.
Porteous’ phone was “going mental” with messages of congratulations when the news broke on social media.
“It is nice, the way it is combined now with the three tiers of the championship together,” he said.
“In years past, there was a team for each one and no one was paying any attention to them.”
Goalkeeper Simon Doherty of Armagh, Cavan’s Enda Shalvey, Damien Casey of Tyrone and Derry duo Sean Cassidy and Cormac O’Doherty were also named in a selection that contained former four-time football All-Star Keith Higgins of Mayo.
Fermanagh’s Tom Keenan, who scored 3-2 in their final win over Cavan, missed out on the team.
On the separate selection for the Joe McDonagh Cup, Down’s Stephen Keith and Conor Woods made the cut.
Not since Paul McKillen was selected at midfield in 1993 has an Ulster player made the overall selection from counties across the top tier of the hurling landscape.
Porteous also hopes the awards will help Fermanagh push on next season, with Joe Baldwin back as manager, assisted by Ollie McShea and Rory O’Donnell.
”I am looking forward to getting a run at the next level up, in the Nickey Rackard,” he said. “It is good for us. All those young boys are ready to move up and it will do them well.
“It has been a very a good year for Fermanagh hurling with the two new adult clubs (South Fermanagh Gaels and Erne Gaels) fielding teams in the Junior Championship, with the county winning and now us (Lisbellaw) getting our first win. We want to keep it going and keep the momentum into 2022.”
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