Ferm foundation for tilt at Ulster success: Stephen

THEY have swept all before them in Fermanagh, but Stephen Mcgullion says Derrygonnelly Harps feel they have a point to prove in Ulster.

The five-in-a-row county champions have not got beyond the semifinal at provincial level.

They take on Antrim champions Cargin in tomorrow’s Ulster club preliminary round tie in Belfast (2.30pm).

“I feel like we have been improving every year,” claimed Mcgullion (above, right, with brother Shane). “Each year we have focused on Fermanagh and said ‘let’s see what happens’.

“But when you win that many in a row in your own county, people around Ulster start asking questions like ‘if they’re winning this many in Fermanagh why can’t they do anything in Ulster?’

“We feel we have a point to prove at this level and are able to compete well at this level.”

Derrygonnelly haven’t played in four weeks while Cargin are coming off the back of last weekend’s Antrim final replay win over Lamh Dhearg which their boss Damian Cassidy insists has sharpened them up.

The back-to-back Antrim champions lost to eventual Ulster club champions Gweedore of Donegal last year and are difficult first-up opponents.

“The first couple of years we came up against Slaughtneil, who went the whole way nearly,” stated Mcgullion.

“The third year (2017) we had a good run, we beat Armagh Harps and got to the semi against Cavan Gaels.

“We almost got to the final but wasn’t meant to be. Last year it was Scotstown, who deserved their win on the day.

“So it’s not like we haven’t been giving a good account of ourselves.”