Hughes pleased that leagues are likely to be delayed

THE distinct possibility that the Allianz National Leagues will be pushed back until the end of March isn’t something that particularly bothers Monaghan stalwart Kieran Hughes.

It was reported earlier this week by RTE’s Damian Lawlor that the GAA will clarify the situation by the end of the month, but it appears inevitable that the start of the league could be delayed for a period of weeks.

That could have consequences further down the line as the provincial and All-Ireland Club Championships could seep into 2022, but Scotstown’s Kieran Hughes would be happy enough with a delay as it affords him extra time to rehabilitate a hip impingement.

“I haven’t really thought about it too much as I’d always set aside January to get the body and mind right. It’ll be good for a couple of the players who have injuries, like myself, Jack McCarron and Niall Kearns, as we’ll have a bit more time to get freshened up.

“For me it’s decent enough news as playing conditions in January, February and early March are usually dreadful anyway.

“We have to look after ourselves as well – sometimes people forget that we’re going through a pandemic.

“I can’t understand how teams can get back to collective training just yet anyway.”

Hughes was diagnosed with a hip impingement after picking up a knock before Monaghan’s ill-fated Ulster Championship preliminary clash against Cavan last year.

It’s a long-term injury that doesn’t go away by itself, but Hughes says that his rehab is going well and he says he should be fit to take his place on the team whenever the action recommences.

Hughes also admits that he’d be more excited about the road ahead if there was the prospect of playing in front of packed stadiums, but that seems unlikely with restrictions likely for the remainder of 2021.

“Last year I said I wasn’t keen on playing behind closed doors, and I probably feel even stronger about it now.

“The thought of training at this time of year and then playing behind closed doors doesn’t sit well with me. It’d be nice to get the buzz back with the crowds, but you just have to be patient.”

A delayed intercounty season would make it likely that the All-Ireland finals will be played in August, which would have a knock-on effect on club football. Hughes won the Monaghan Championship with Scotstown last year, and he hopes that the Ulster Club Championship actually goes ahead this season.

“The calendar is looking a bit tight but the clubs need to be looked after. For me personally, club players should take precedence over the intercounty game. I think they need to finish it up properly as well with the provincial club championships.

“Croke Park obviously needs to generate money to keep people in jobs, but I’d definitely hope the club season goes ahead as planned. Thankfully I come from a strong club and we have a lot of players who are mad keen to get stuck into action.”