I FEAR THE YEAR COULD BE A COMPLETE WRITE-OFF

the social distant mechanisms being in place almost into 2021, you start to think to yourself there’s no way then that contact sport can take place before then,” said Mckaigue. “So once you become resigned to that fact, it’s looking probably more likely that this year is going to be a total write-off.

“Part of me is very disappointed but you have to look at it logically, we’re all in the same boat. One thing he’s not 20 anymore. A year away from playing is a tough prospect.

“I’d be lying if I said that hadn’t crossed my mind,” Mckaigue confessed.

“But you have to look at it that we’re all in the same boat. These things are totally out of your control, you try to keep yourself going.

“If there’s no inter-county championship in October, there might be the possibility that some club championship action in each county might go ahead.

“That would give people a target to cling on to and a bit of optimism.”

Mckaigue believes that, all being right in the world, Derry would have put it up to Armagh.

“Championship football in Ulster has always been a great leveller,” he said.

“Last year we won Division Four and gave Tyrone a pretty good game at Healy Park.”

And the hamstring? “Until I get back to playing again, I don’t know,” confessed Mckaigue. “Without the pressure of games coming up it’ll give me a massive chance.

“But ultimately there comes a time when you want to play again.” that was really positive that came out of (GAA president) John Horan’s interview was just the clarity and honesty.

“I think sometimes we don’t want to hear things but when we hear them and they’re crystal (clear) and honest and there’s clarity, it almost gives you a different perspective.

“Some of the restrictions that have been placed upon us in the north here, our biggest issue has been the lack of clarity around it.”