Grugan staying focused as he aims to lead Ballymacnab to a new high
RORY Grugan needs no reminding that this has been a rollercoaster year for him.
When Armagh gained promotion to Division Two of the Allianz League in the spring, the notion that they might emerge as a potent force in the Ulster Championship began to gain in currency.
But suddenly skipper Grugan was overtaken by a double setback that threatened to jeopardise the remainder of 2018 for him.
A nasty elbow injury coupled with Armagh’s surprise exit from the provincial Championship at the hands of Fermanagh occasioned shock and soul-searching in equal measure within the Orchard County.
Grugan saw only 24 minutes of action against Fermanagh but it signalled his return to top-flight action.
And it was Armagh’s penchant for embracing the qualifiers that was to provide more than a modicum of comfort for their fans.
They charged through to within touching distance of the Super 8s, surrendering only to a firedup Roscommon side that hit an unexpected peak.
If disappointment was Grugan’s lot once more, then consolation was at hand.
The Enniskillen-based schoolteacher was to prove a driving force in steering his club Ballymacnab to their first ever All-County League title, a significant milestone for a team that had grown accustomed to labouring in the shadows of the likes of Crossmaglen Rangers.
Tonight, Grugan hopes to see Ballymacnab chart further progress when they meet Killeavy at the Athletic Grounds (8pm) in an Armagh Championship encounter that has all the appeal of the Division Three league encounters that were the county team’s staple diet earlier this year.
“There appears to be tremendous interest in the Armagh Championship and there are some very interesting matches this weekend but our focus is on Killeavy. We know they have shown themselves to be a decent side and will come to the Athletic Grounds fired up,” declared Grugan.
Former 2002 Armagh All-Ireland-winning defender Justin McNulty is in charge of a Killeavy side that is an amalgam of youth and experience. They have shown impressive form and will not baulk at tonight’s challenge.
If Grugan is the Ballymacnab torch-bearer, then Gavin McParland’s goalscoring touch could serve the side well tonight.
While Ballymacnab have title ambitions, the fact that champions Harps, former kingpins Crossmaglen Rangers and a formidable St Patrick’s, Cullyhanna side are still in the mix will keep their feet on the ground.