McHugh’s men are fired up to make their mark

TATTYREAGH manager Stephen McHugh can trace his team’s triumph in the Tyrone Junior football championship final over Clogher earlier this month to an emotional meeting held at the start of the year.

That was when McHugh got together with his backroom team and they entered into a pact to leave no stone unturned in a bid to land the county title.

When their side eventually claimed the trophy, McHugh hailed his players but quickly re-directed their thoughts to tomorrow’s Ulster club championship quarter-final against Monaghan side Currin at Healy Park, Omagh (12.45pm).

James Darcy is the ace in the Tattyreagh pack having scored seven points in the win over Clann na Gael in the Tyrone semi-final before his goal in added time added further gloss to the final score of 2-11 to 2-4 against Clogher.

Eoghain Murray, Joe Cartin, Gareth Mimnagh and Sean Gormley are other key players in a Tattyreagh side that has shown tremendous resilience and spirit to date this year.

“The Ulster Championship is a different testing ground, of course, but we will meet the challenge,” insists McHugh.

In tomorrow’s other quarter-finals, Armagh champions Ballyhegan will have home advantage at the Athletic Grounds (2.30pm) against Derry side Doire Trasna, while Down champions Dundrum are likely to be tested to the full by Fermanagh representatives Belnaleck who will parade several experienced players.