Donegal boost as McHugh targets league comeback

DONEGAL star Ryan McHugh is hoping to be back in action in time for the county’s NFL Division 2 opener away to Clare on January 27.

McHugh hasn’t played since August after being advised to rest on medical grounds after picking up a suspected concussion which meant his missed his club Kilcar’s entire county championship campaign.

“I got a bit of a rest, but it was not a rest that I wanted to be honest,” McHugh said. “It was extremely disappointing when it happened to miss the county championship with the club and we did win it last year.

“It is very hard to watch on, knowing there is nothing you can do to help. But that’s football and there are plenty of ups and downs but it is how you react to setbacks that determines the type of player you are going to be”.

However, he believes he’ll be ready by the time the league rolls around again in the New Year. “I am back in the gym and hope to get back running soon. I am hoping to get back in full training for the New Year and to be ready for the league,” he said.

Damaging

The news comes as a boost for Tír Chonaill boss Declan Bonner with Paddy McBrearty also on the comeback trail. However, Ciarán Gillespie is set to be out for an extended period after damaging his ACL playing for Ghaoth Dobhair.

There was some cause for celebration for McHugh as he picked up his second All-Star award.

“It is great to be getting the second one after getting one in 2016,” he said. His second gong means he has equalled his father Martin’s tally. “He has a Celtic Cross that I don’t have,” Ryan countered.

Elsewhere, Anthony Cunningham is believed to be amongst the frontrunners for the still-vacant role as Roscommon football manager.

Cunningham had been linked with the Dublin hurling manager’s job but officials opted for Mattie Kenny and it appears the former Galway boss could now be in the frame for the Rossies.