The 2024/25 season is still very much in its infancy, but Dungannon have taken some early strides and face Malone on Saturday with finishing top in the Ulster League’s Group A on the line for both sides.
Having seen off the 2023/24 Ulster League champions Ballynahinch and then Queen’s University, Gannon can earn themselves a place in the Ulster League Final – to be contested later in the calendar – if they win at Gibson Park.
Malone, who previously defeated Hinch – though they have played only once after being awarded a walkover with Queen’s – stand in Gannon’s way, and both will become familiar foes as they will later be doing battle in Division 2B of the AIL where last time out, the Tyrone club finished mid-table.
“There is something there for Saturday’s winners alright,” said Gannon head coach Jonny Gillespie. “But we’re not really thinking about that, our priority is to keep working and improving as we get closer to the AIL.
“Last year, we lost our Ulster League games, and it dented our confidence going into the AIL, so we’ve turned that around, and that’s all down to the attitude and desire of the players.”
Having reached an AIL Play-Off Final in 2023 and lost narrowly to UL Bohemians, Gannon are keen to launch another strong push for promotion and have recruited well in the off-season, with Jack Milligan returning while forwards Callum Johns and Billy Allen have joined as school leavers.
Combined with hugely experienced skipper James McMahon and the game-breaking skills of Ben McCaughey and Andrew McGregor, there is a quiet confidence about Stevenson Park, though the club are only too aware of the hurdles awaiting in the AIL environment.
“We’re pleased with the direction the squad is heading in, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves at this point of the season,” added Gillespie.
The remaining Group A game pits Queen’s University against Ballynahinch at the Dub. In Group B, City of Armagh have already secured top spot and host winless Banbridge. Instonians are at Rainey.
Ballyclare meet Belfast Harlequins in Division Two, while Clogher Valley clash with Omagh.
Division One, Group A: Malone v Dungannon, Queen’s University v Ballynahinch
Group B: City of Armagh v Ballynahinch, Rainey v Instonians
Division Two: Ballyclare v Belfast Harlequins, Clogher Valley v Omagh