Returning stars must be nursed along- Quinn

By Barry O’Donnell

WHILE delighted to welcome back a couple of of their big-hitters in Monday night’s convincing Senior Championship quarter-final victory over Trillick, Errigal Ciaran joint manager Stevie Quinn cautioned that it was still important to monitor their minutes on the field.

Both Ruairi Canavan and Joe Oguz appeared as second half substitutes during the course of the 1-16 to 0-12 victory over the Reds.

Allied to the fact both Darragh Canavan and Ben McDonnell started the match, the growing numbers now available to Errigal could spell danger for upcoming opponents. Quinn though was keen to stress the importance of being patient in integrating their star names back into the fold.

“We have to be careful,” he said. “They are their own worst enemies at the minute trying to get themselves back. We have to try and hold them back a bit but it’s great to have them. If we give them time they will build themselves back up to pace.”

Reflecting on the victory over Trillick, Quinn was delighted at Errigal’s response when their opponents closed the gap after the break.

“We came down the road tonight looking for a win first and foremost. Getting over the line and into the semi-finals was the main thing. They worked hard and it’s something to build on for the next round.

“We let them back to within two points early in the second half but Trillick are a great team and they were always going to mount a comeback. They have pushed us to the pin of our collar a few times over the last few years.

“We then were happy to get the scores on the board and men came off the bench to drive us towards the finish line.”

Next up for Errigal is a mouth-watering clash with defending champions Loughmacrory in a fortnight’s time, a tie that Quinn is clearly relishing.

“They were deserving champions last year. They have stepped up on that and are going to be a massive challenge. They have an excellent management set up and their style of play is very good. So we’ll do the work over the next couple of weeks. It’s the Tyrone Championship so there is no handy draws.”