We are not the champions anymore: Kavanagh

By Michael McMullan

GLEN manager Rory Kavanagh insists that everyone is chasing Newbridge in the race for the John McLaughlin Cup.

Speaking after Glen became the first name into the semi-final draw, Kavanagh said his side are moving in the right direction with focus on priming for the next hurdle.

Glen face Magherafelt, a repeat of the 2019 and 2023 finals, on Saturday week with champions Newbridge up against Sleacht Néill.

“We’re not the champions anymore, that’s the reality,” Kavanagh said. “Newbridge are the team now and we’re chasing along with everybody else.”

Glen have reached at least semi-final eight times in the last decade. Magherafelt beat them in the 2019 final before their three successive titles.

Newbridge hero Ciaran Brooks hit a late point to strip the Watties of their Derry, Ulster and All-Irelands in one swoop.

“They’re a proud bunch, they were a successful bunch,” he added. “When you get knocked off then it does hurt so that’s good for us.”

It’s the 2012 All-Ireland winner’s first season in the job, taking over from Malachy O’Rourke.

They’ve beaten Banagher (twice) and Dungiven on their way to the last four. Outside of Cathal Mulholland, who went travelling to Australia, the All-Ireland group is intact.

Ciaran McFaul and Michael Warnock sat out their quarter-final win. Emmett Bradley and Danny McDermott were back after injury.

“There’s a couple of lads that are approaching full fitness but we just couldn’t take the risk with them,” he said, referring to Warnock and McFaul, who doubled up as the water carrier.

“Danny McDermott got game time along with Emmett and Alex Doherty, so it was great to get minutes and all into those boys.

“That’s what you want. You need a good competitive squad. With the nature of the game now, it’s so quick.

“You just need everybody at a high, high level so thankfully we’re moving in the right direction.”

Glen’s reward for winning their first two games was a four-week break ahead of last weekend’s quarter-final and it was a window of preparation they needed.

“Our priority was training,” said Kavanagh, who managed St Eunan’s against Glen in their first ever Ulster senior game.

“Believe you me, we had plenty of things that needed ironing out. It was a good opportunity to get everybody back, have a few tactical sessions and get the understanding of the game plan.”