Ederney’s promotion still not guaranteed

EDERNEY have been far and away the best side in Division Two this year and have booked their spot in the league final ahead of schedule, but they still must go out and finish the job if they’re to play top-flight football in 2027.

Donegal native Gary Wilson has taken the reins this year and the league table speaks for itself – with just two rounds remaining, they’re eight points clear of nearest challengers Kinawley. They won’t be caught for the top spot, but there’s only one promotion spot on offer so they can’t afford to slip up against whoever they end up playing in the league final.

“We’ll have to win the league final, so we’re still not sure of things, we don’t yet know who we’ll be playing either as there’s only four points separating the next four teams. It’s not ideal, it’s a bit of a waiting game, but it is what it is.”

Even though the really important stuff is yet to come, Wilson acknowledges that it’s been a gratifying season to date in many respects. He’s enjoyed his time at the club and is full of praise for their stalwarts both on and off the pitch.

“Chris Kelly had done amazing work with them and had brought a lot of young players through. He moved to manage Beragh and they were on the search for somebody. I ended up meeting Donal Gormley, the chairperson, and Decky McCusker in the depths of winter last year. You knew they were hurting from last year’s championship.

“They’re a great club, my wife and kids go to the games and they’ve been so welcoming to her, and my mother and father get to games. I couldn’t speak higher of them – everyone in the committee, Adrian Magee, Justin Maguire, Decky Deazley, Stevie McElholm, Sean Donnelly. They’re amazing people, friends for life.”

He continued: “The players as well, they’re brilliant lads. Anything you ask them to do, they just do it. Paul McCuskey, Decky McCusker, Sean Cassidy, you can see why they’ve played for Fermanagh or currently play for Fermanagh. They’re so involved in the club, the fundamental projects, the U10s, the U12s. For a small community, they pack a brave punch in terms of their facilities and the committee and what they represent.”