By Michael McMullan

MAGHERAFELT have got their identity back this season, insists Conor McCluskey.

The Rossa have impressed on their way to Sunday’s showdown with Newbridge.

McCluskey missed last season with injury before making a return to Derry colours at the tail end of the 2025 championship.

Magherafelt’s brand of front-foot football has been carving open goal chances and it was McCluskey’s cracker to the top corner that eventually broke Glen in Saturday’s semi-final.

“The most important thing was the performance,” he said of Saturday’s 4-15 to 1-14 win.

“I think we delivered that and we have another massive performance to go.”

So much of the Magherafelt package is pace and in a direct manner. With only five of their 2019 winning team still on board, their freshness and levels of conditioning have been the foundation.

“I think the shackles have really come off our attack this year,” McCluskey said of their progress.

“We were really disappointed with how last year went and we played within ourselves.”

“The most important thing this year was we got our identity back and we are a really good attacking team,” he said of the approach under new manager Gavin Devlin.

“The new rules suit us down to the ground, so we just wanted to go at it.

“You saw the way we can attack with control; we can attack with speed but we got the balance right.”

Getting the confidence and swagger back was the important factor in “rediscovering” their form and McCluskey has been impressed by their attacking game.

“It’s just a joy to watch,” he said of the front end. “Sometimes you sit back and you’re just saying ‘wow, just let them at it’ and they will cut teams any way you want to.

“I am really delighted with how we’re playing but we know we have a massive one to go and it’s the most important one.”

McCluskey’s running game mixed with his ability to create overlaps was part of the attraction that caught the attention of All-Star selectors.

Now, back after injury, he’s enjoying his football in a team that now contains his younger brother Aidan.

It’s a big weekend for the extended family with his father Emmet’s native Loughgiel aiming for a first Antrim hurling title since 2016.

“It’s just a relief more than anything else,” he said about his comeback. “There has been so much frustration, it all comes boiling over. When I scored the goal there (against Glen) it was just a massive relief and nearly making up for lost time.”

Magherafelt’s two first-half goalscorers, Caolan and Conall Higgins, represent the new breed, both having featured in the club’s recent run to the St Paul’s Minor final on New Year’s Day. McCluskey, now in his mid-20s, concedes to being of the older crop now.

“That injection of youth has really helped bring that confidence back,” he said.

“I am one of those older players now but I’m delighted to have them and the boost they’ve given us is second to none.

“There’s a few more young lads knocking on the door now, so it’s just a really exciting time and we’re looking forward to it.”