McCabe relishing another crack at Ulster

Paul Fitzpatrick

Lacken Celtic manager Aidan McCabe has experienced both sides of the Ulster Junior Club Championship. He guided Monaghan side Blackhill Emeralds to provincial glory in 2019 and later managed Knockbride into the same competition, where they suffered a first-round exit.

Now, having steered Lacken to the Cavan Junior Championship title, he is preparing for another provincial adventure, beginning with Saturday's preliminary-round meeting with Derry champions Doire Trasna at Owenbeg (3pm).

For McCabe, the change of scenery is part of the attraction.

“It's a breath of fresh air. It's completely different. You're not playing against lads you know, for the most part. There can be a little bit of freedom attached to that and maybe a little bit of apprehension as well,” said the Cootehill man.

“You're playing in county grounds against other teams, maybe different styles. And it's winter football again. The pitches are getting a lot heavier, so there's that added dimension.

“The same game plan in July mightn't be the best game plan now. Some teams can adapt to that better than others, but it's a great competition. It's the second-last week in October and you're playing championship football. It's fantastic.”

Lacken's early completion of their county campaign afforded McCabe an opportunity to watch Doire Trasna win the Derry final against a fancied Ballerin.

“We were lucky, we were the first junior final in the province, so we got a chance the following Saturday to see their county final. We saw them in the flesh and were able to see a couple of other games on video.”

The opposition have made an impression. Doire Trasna, from Derry city, possess several outstanding individuals.

“They're a young club, only 25 years old, so you can imagine they're writing their own history, which is pretty amazing.

“They've got some absolutely cracking footballers. Caolán Doyle, their captain at midfield, is one of the best fielders of a ball I've seen in a long, long time.

“Obviously, (well-known musician) Eoghan Quigg at full-forward grabs the headlines. There's probably a little bit of the X Factor thing, but he's a terrific footballer. He's hit 21 points in the last two and a half games.

“Oran Donnelly is a young fella beside him. They seem to have got five or six young fellas through in the last year or two. Donnelly got 1-3 from play in the final and certainly caught the eye. They've got a couple of other boys that are very, very good... O'Donnell and O 'Connell. I better not leave anyone out."

Lacken have had three weeks to enjoy their county triumph and prepare for the next challenge.

“Three weeks is a perfect time. You don't feel you're under too much pressure. We were back training on the Wednesday after the final and trained again then at the weekend.

“We got training done, the boys were able to let their hair down and we got a couple of great sessions in between. We feel we're in good shape for the weekend.

“We've got our full hand and Finn Riley, who started the first three championship games, is back from injury now. He'll be there or thereabouts come Saturday, so that's another great headache and another great option to have.”

Lacken will feel there is room to tighten up at both ends of the field, despite their unbeaten run thus far.

“The top two inches are very important. It's not like we've been struggling to create chances or struggling to score all the time.

“We're fluctuating a wee bit. It's about the mental side, making sure we're switched on and tuned in, and that we nail the chances when we get them.”

“As I said to the boys the other day, you're playing a team that has had the same nights we've had, the same craic, the same supporters and the same emotion. They've a medal in their back pocket and they're planning a dinner dance next year.

“We're all the same. We've had no more special days than they've had.

“At the same time, it is 60 minutes. Can we outwork them? Can we outplay them? Can we be accurate in front of goals? It still comes down to the things I've been preaching from the start.”