FERM FRIENDS

Ryan: Rory has been so good to me but we have to get job Don

ties open their Ulster Championship campaigns against each other on Sunday.

Having tormented Fermanagh in last year’s Ulster final, Mchugh will naturally be one of the opposition players that Gallagher will be particularly trying to stifle.

“With Rory involved there is that wee bit of extra rivalry there between the sides,” says Mchugh. “It is going to be a huge match and we are not looking past that.

“He was great to me. It is well documented that me and Rory are close, he managed Kilcar and growing up myself and Rory used to go kicking together when he used to play with St Gall’s.

“I remember Rory giving me tips. To be fair to Rory, he’s been great to me as a mentor and as a coach. He’s definitely brought me on as a footballer.

“Hopefully I can get one over him again this year.

“Rory’s based in Killybegs, 10 minutes away, so we’d be in touch regularly during the off-season but at this time of year the phone doesn’t be buzzing as much.”

Donegal cruised to a 12point win in last year’s Ulster final though Mchugh expects a more stern challenge in Brewster Park this Sunday.

“It’s a huge match. It makes it that wee bit tougher when you’ve to go away from home.

“Fermanagh’s a tough place. I remember being up at the Armagh and Fermanagh game up at Brewster Park [last year]. It was hot and heavy as well. It’s going to be no different.

“Rory’s going to have them ready. He’s going to be putting everything in his power to try and get one over on Donegal so we have to be ready for it.” Fermanagh were buoyed by a rare away win over Donegal during the League this year though Mchugh isn’t putting much store by that.

He added: “Unfortunately we got a man sent off then. Fermanagh kicked on then and deservedly won. League and Championship is two different things.”