Cookstown not planning to slow their ascent says McMurray

By Alan Rodgers

PROMOTION to Division Two in Tyrone for the 2026 season has further enhanced Cookstown’s reputation as a team very much on an upward curve as they bid to make the most of talented underage players preparing to make their mark at adult level.

On Sunday past, the Fr Rock’s bounced back by gaining the big step up after just a year in Division Three. But now there are even bigger challenges beckoning the club as they bid to establish themselves at an even higher level in the years ahead.

In the 2010s they were. of course, regular competitors at senior level in the Red Hand county. All-Ireland Intermediate success also highlighted their progress, and it’s that kind of level which they are once again aspiring towards.

The feeling that they are more than capable of achieving that comes from titles at underage level in recent years, not least Red Hand minor glory in 2024 and a series of competitive teams in Grade One at every level in Tyrone.

It’s a point which was highlighted by their midfielder Niall McMurray after their big 1-17 to 1-14 win over Clogher in the league decider on Sunday.

Like everyone at the club, he won’t be content with becoming a ‘yo-yo’ club between the intermediate and junior ranks. Senior football is their put simply their very achievable target.

“We knew that we’ve being going well this season. Drumragh caught us out the week before the Clogher match, so we were definitely a bit nervous,” he said.

“This season has been good for us. Everyone has just put their head down and worked hard for the management.

“We knew that the team was capable of doing good things and we’re glad to have got over the line with this promotion.

“We have been in this position a few times before. Getting up from Division Three is harder than it looks to be honest. Things have to go your way, and everyone has to buy in. This has been great because there have been players injured and it’s good to get back up at the first time of asking.”

Now that the league is completed, the stage is set for the Tyrone Junior championship.

Cookstown will understandably be among the favourites, but will undoubtedly receive some tough opposition as they bid to make their mark.

Nevertheless, the fact that they have already won a place in Division Two for next year eases the pressure ahead of the knock-out series.

“We can get a free run at the championship and showcase what we have to offer,” added McMurray.

“But we know as a club that this isn’t our level. We need to be aspiring to bigger things. Senior football is where we want to go over the next few years. There has been a big push on youth in our club and a lot of young lads coming through including the Minors from last year.

“It’s good to get back to get into intermediate football. Those young boys are pushing us on.”