Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
COMING OUT OF LUCKDOWN
Ryan feels fortunate to be in this position & doesn’t want to take it for granted
THE debate continues to rage over the rights and wrongs of resuming the inter-county season but Ryan Mchugh says he counts himself ‘very lucky’.
Lucky that he has no family with underlying health issues during the pandemic and lucky that there is still a prize or two to aim for before the long winter evenings draw in.
“During the summer months and during lockdown there was a time it looked like we might get nothing, so we have to be grateful,” said Mchugh, ahead of tomorrow’s Division One clash with Tyrone.
“I am living with my girlfriend and other than her granny, who lives at home, none of my family or close contacts have any underlying issues.
“I can understand why people might feel wary of going back but from my point of view, I’m 100 per cent ready to go.
“There is a lot of fear out there, which is why I’m happy the football is going ahead. Hopefully we can lift spirits a wee bit and get people talking more positively. In Kilcar, GAA is massive. You go to the shop at lunchtime and people will be talking more about football now, whereas they were maybe talking about negative stuff for the last while. It will give people a lift.”
Even though Tyrone are also due to visit Mccumhaill Park for the Ulster Championship showdown i n two weeks’ time, this is a League game both need to win to cement top-flight status for 2021.
Tyrone could be safe before they play, if Mayo beat Galway in Tuam. Any other result and they’ll need to take something from Ballybofey – especially with a trip to Mayo next weekend in their final game, while Donegal make the long trip to Tralee to face Kerry.
All things considered, this is no time to be holding anything back.
“To be dining at the top table year in, year out, you need to be playing Division One football and for us to be playing Division One football, we have to win this Sunday,” says attacking wing-back Mchugh.
“I would say we’ll be playing our best team.”
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has seen most things during his 18 seasons in charge, but he hasn’t seen a straight knockout Championship, which was last played in 2000.
“Every day is the final,” says the Tyrone boss (inset).
“So the challenge is to ensure we are part of the season as it goes on, rather than sitting looking at it after our first game. That is something we have to be mindful of.”