Corrigan keen to show that Maguiresbridge are on the rise
Derry 1993 All-Ireland winner Cassidy accepts that the bar is being raised year on year in the Ulster Club Championship but this does not dissuade him from the belief that his side is capable of winning the competition.
“Our lack of success in Ulster is like a millstone round our necks at this stage,” admitted Cassidy. “It’s very frustrating for the players because we have been here in recent years and have not really done ourselves justice. I like to think that this frustration will lead to a sharp eye and enhanced focus for this game against Derrygonnelly.
“The Ulster Club series does not come along all that often — it’s not like your county Championship where you are going to get a run at it every year — so there comes a time when you have to stand on your two feet and lay down your marker.
“That’s what we have to do on Sunday if we are to make any sort of progress.”
CIARAN Corrigan’s consistency in Fermanagh’s colours earlier in the year is one of the reasons why the Erne side made a bold bid for promotion to Division One of the Allianz League before the loss of their last two games meant another season in Division Two was inevitable.
But, nonetheless, Corrigan’s form not only repaid the faith that then manager Rory Gallagher showed in him but provided the inspiration for other young guns to step up their quest for inter-county recognition.
Indeed, when Corrigan took delivery of a Quinn’s Building Products Ulster GAA Writers’ Association monthly merit award earlier this year, he rapped out a defiant message in relation to Fermanagh’s future.
And that’s precisely what the talented 23-year-old utility player hopes to do when he lines out for Maguiresbridge against Monaghan representatives Blackhill in the Ulster Junior Club Championship at Inniskeen on Sunday (2.30pm).
The environment will be somewhat removed from the colour and atmosphere of inter-county Championship fare, but for the fiercely-committed Corrigan it’s a match to which he is looking forward with unbridled interest.
“We were in two or three intermediate finals in the last number of years, and we were relegated to junior status last year, but now that we have won the Fermanagh Championship, this brings us back to intermediate standard,” pointed out Corrigan.
“But here we are getting a chance to show what we can do on the Ulster stage and we want to make the most of it. We are a decent mix of youth and experience with a couple of lads from the St Michael’s College, Enniskillen side that won the MacRory and Hogan Cups this year.”
Blackhill have come to the fore of late in Monaghan and Corrigan is expecting a tough battle.
“Obviously we would like to win and move on but we’ll take things one step at a time. This is true Championship knockout football and you have to be up for it,” added Corrigan.
“We as players are certainly looking forward to it. When you get the chance to play in a provincial Championship you want to make the most of it, and obviously we would really like to do our club proud if we can.”