Hughes happy to collect another county title

By Shaun Casey

KIERAN Hughes will never get sick of winning the Monaghan senior title, no matter how many medals he already has tucked away in his back pocket.

Scotstown were again crowned county champions last weekend when they saw off neighbours Truagh with a strong second half blitz.

Hughes started the game at midfield, and chipped in with a two-point score as David McCague’s side collected the title for the tenth time in 14 years.

“I did a couple of interviews with local reporters over the weekend, and I never got across that it’s all about maximising the potential in our group,” said Hughes.

“We know we have the players, so it’s just about maximising what we have. That’s why I would get nervous before games, because that’s what it’s about.

“Your football career is short, so I want to keep winning as much as possible. The reality is, we’re not going to keep winning for the rest of our days.

“Some other team is going to lift that trophy someday, so I just want to win it as much as I can while I’m able to lace up the boots. It’s the same feeling every time you win it and that’s something that I never want to lose.”

Scotstown have been boosted by an influx of underage talent over the last couple of seasons, and as one of the older heads in the group, Hughes is delighted to see it.

He also paid tribute to the management team of David McCague, Fergus Caulfield, Donal Morgan and Diarmuid Scullion for bringing through a new crop of players.

“We are blessed to have them, and they all have Scotstown blood,” he said. “It’s full credit to them for keeping the whole thing going and bringing in the younger lads.”

On the youngsters, Hughes added, “I could go off on a big tangent about them, but it’s genuinely just their love for football and their love for the club.

“You hear things like that, about the love for the club and that’s what it’s all about. That genuinely is what it is all about with us.

“There is a great buzz every night in training and sure what else would we be at? You go to work, go home and what else would we do if we couldn’t go down to the field and play football with your best mates, it’s as simple as that.

“Tommy (Mallen), Nicky (Sherlock), Sean Óg (McElwaine), Mark McCaffrey, Donnchadh (Connolly), Max Maguire, they’ve all come through the last two minor teams and that is gold dust.

“People say that if you get one a year into your senior team you’re doing well but we’ve got those boys in the last few years, which is unbelievable.”

Scotstown’s next ambition will be to defend their Ulster Championship title, and their provincial journey begins with an opening round clash with Newbridge or Magherafelt, who play in Sunday’s Derry final.