'We never doubted our potential, but consistency was the key' - Edendork manager McGuckin

CONSISTENCY was the magic ingredient missing from Edendork’s playbook over the past decade, and if they could address that issue, anything was possible, according to manager Brian McGuckin.

The St Malachy’s have enjoyed many big championship victories through the years, but a failure to back those up next day out stalled the progress of a team rich in promise but dogged by unfulfilled potential.

This year, all that changed, and a string of sparkling championship performances saw them go all the way and win the O’Neill Cup for the first time in the club’s 94-year history.

“It's surreal to be county champions. For so long I've been coming to county finals, I've been watching superpowers rocking in and heading back up the road with the cup,” said McGuckin.

“You're sitting there in envy, jealous and wondering could it ever be us. We never ever doubted the potential of our group but it was our ability to be consistent and out back to back performances together.

“On more occasions, we have rocked into senior championship matches and taken out big teams. But the problem then was the next day out, but we have got real consistency and sheer belief with this group and that has really stood to us. We have just gone from strength to strength this year.”

The turning point came in the dressing room in the wake of a demoralising defeat to Omagh in the final league game of the season, a result that consigned Edendork to a relegation play-off – a fate they could escape only by winning the championship.

“It was really only at the start of the championship where we got our entire squad together.

“We had a very harrowing day here in the last game of the league against Omagh. It looked like we were going into a relegation playoff. We maybe stayed in the changing room for half an hour after that, there were a few home truths told and we just got it together, we built, got stronger and everyone bought in.

“This is the fruit of our labour.

“Our potential has never been doubted. But if you look at Loughmacrory, and Mayo and Louth, yeah ok they were probably lesser teams at the time. But the one thing that they all had in common was a willingness to do whatever it took and I would question whether we were putting in that kind of effort last year or the year before.

“But this year at the start of the championship there was a complete buy-in and that’s why we're standing here as champions now.”

In Friday evening’s replay, Errigal had a chance to go six ahead, but a missed free came as a reprieve for the St Malachy’s, who responded with 1-3, including a Darren McCurry goal from a penalty, to go two ahead at half-time.

“It was massive, they had gone four points up and nearly six ahead. At that stage I was getting a bit concerned,” said McGuckin.

“But we hit 1-3 or 1-4 without reply and that was a massive 10 minute period. Before that we weren't playing that bad and we were still getting our shots away, Our execution wasn't where it should be.

“Our message at half-time was not be rushing shots, but be patient, wait on Darren and he was phenomenal in the first half.

“The penalty gave us a great platform for the second half and gave us great confidence as well.”

With the game slipping away in stoppage time right at the end, and Errigal a point ahead, it was crisis time for Edendork, they had to get the ball to a man who could make thins happen, and Conn Kilpatrick was just that man.

“It was the exact same as last week. What worked in our favour then was allowing Errigal to get in in order for us to get the ball back. They were in possession of the ball and I was thinking how are we going to get it back.

“The gap opened for Peter Harte and he put them a point up. At that stage it was draw and he then got the second point.

“I knew that we just needed to get our hands on the ball and no better man than Conn . He took the game by the scruff of the neck, made the yards and got us the free.

“There are so many superlatives for Niall Morgan. I was on my knees, closing my eyes and even when the ball left his boot I wasn't sure. But then I heard the Edendork ultras. I also knew it was the last kick. It was just amazing.”

It was the climax to an evolving championship campaign for Edendork, with a sense of self-belief strengthening with every game.

“As we went from round to round we were starting to think, well maybe we'll count. Then when we had the performance against Donaghmore we knew that we were in with a hell of a chance of winning it.

“Obviously, we had the utmost respect for Errigal Ciaran because they are a phenomenal club. But we had the players and obviously we have our very special players. Some of our players who aren't as well known have been underestimated. Teams weren't just taking them as seriously.

“Ben Cullen is a phenomenal footballer and he is just getting better and better. He's only 21 or 22 and when we needed someone to break a line Ben was the man. He has the ability to transition, come off shoulders, kick points and he has the ability to mark. There is nothing he can't do. He is certainly exceptional, but so are they all.

“Conor Mallon’s biggest attribute for me is that he is so versatile. He has probably played in every position bar goals and he has excelled in every position. At the start of the year, he played at 11, then there was a need to bring him back into defence and there was a need to bring him further back into the corner because there were a lot of fires to put out with Errigal Ciaran.

“I just felt that was where he was needed. As captain, he has been brilliant and really led by example. We were improving last year and it took the hurt from then for us to really move forward this year.”

Celebrations have been in full swing since Friday evening, but next weekend, it gets serious again, and the county champions return to action in an Ulster Club Championship opener against Down champions Clonduff.

“I may go out with a big net because they'll be difficult to gather up. But we'll enjoy a few days celebration, we absolutely will and obviously there is a big game coming next Saturday night.

“But that's not a worry for tonight to tomorrow either. We'll maybe gather again on Monday night and see where things are.”