MOST were old faces, but some were new at the launch of the St Paul’s annual Kukri Sports Ulster Minor Football Tournament in Belfast City Hall as the various county winners, from across the province, gathered ahead of a competition now entering its 34th season.
A regular face over the past few years was missing as four-in-a-row winners Watty Graham’s from Glen were recently deposed by Slaughtneil in the Oak Leaf final, with the Emmett’s now going in search of a second win in the competition.
They collected the Jimmy McConville Cup away back in 1998 and would dearly love to polish off their amazing 2015 season with another trophy, having already collected the Derry senior football, senior hurling, senior camogie, minor football, minor hurling and UGAAWA Club of the Year awards.
“It would be brilliant to take home the Ulster Minor Football Cup, as well, to end the season,” stressed U18 captain Shane McGuigan, who, like most of the Slaughtneil players, mixes hurling with football.
“We have watched Glen win this tournament for the past four years and we were sort of jealous.
“To beat Glen in the Derry final this year was a big statement from us and it gives us a big boost for the Ulster race.
“However, we won’t be looking past the first round game with St Eunan’s, as a glance at the draw shows the quality of the teams included.
“However, to beat Glen was terrific. I go to St Pat’s and play along with many Watty Graham’s players and, of course, have grown up with them.
“This bunch of players always had their sights set on getting this far and, hopefully, we can get through to the final and bring another trophy to Slaughtneil. That would be lovely.”
Making their debut in the major event is Antrim’s new champions St Enda’s and former Saffrons footballer Enda McAtamney is also excited about the weeks ahead.
The former Ballymena player, along with the rest of the backroom team, has been working with the squad for over five years.
“We won the Féile competition, the Paul McGirr U16 Trophy, the Antrim U14 and U16 championships and this year won the Minor A title for the first time. It has been natural progression all the way,” said McAtamney.
“Five of us are involved with the panel, we have no real figurehead, and the boys are very easily managed.
“They are a great bunch of lads, very well-disciplined. This is where we want to be and we will do our best to make the best of it.”
The draw threw up a St Enda’s against Enniskillen Gaels fixture.
“That is amazing after Antrim and Fermanagh meeting in the Ulster SFC for the past three years and, again, next year,” added McAtamney.
Crossmaglen Rangers have been in the St Paul’s-organised event before, but have yet to secure the honours.
“One thing for sure is that Cross teams will never give up and hopes are high that this year’s panel can do the trick as eight of the minors are included in the senior team squad,” said boss Kieran Donnelly.
