LIAM DONNELLY could be forgiven for having one eye off the ball next Sunday afternoon, but he insists he’ll be fully focused on Edendork and not his native Trillick.
The Edendork manager will lead his troops into what is sure to be a fierce battle against Down champions Loughinisland in the Ulster Intermediate Football Championship. He will be stationed on the line in Healy Park but, at the exact same time, his sons Mattie and Richard will head into action for their native Trillick.
They take on new Donegal champions Naomh Conaill in Ballybofey, also at 2.30pm, meaning Liam Donnelly will miss a first foray into Ulster senior competition for the club he served with such distinction, having captained them to their last championship success in 1986 and managed them to an Ulster intermediate crown in 2008.
“It’s awkward for me. But that’s the hand we’ve been dealt and it’s a good place to be for both clubs. It’s unfortunate they’re at the one time on the one day, but that’s sod’s law,” said Donnelly.
“For those couple of hours, my mind will be on the Edendork game. I’m sure we’ll get updates at some stage on how Trillick are doing, but my whole focus for the duration of the game will be Edendork. We can talk about Trillick afterwards and, hopefully, victories for both teams.
“Given that it’s 29 years since Trillick won the championship and 30 years since Edendork won a championship, the likelihood of both winning in the one year wasn’t too high.”
