Since being crowned county champions just over a week ago, people had their doubts about how Errigal Ciaran would perform in the Ulster club championship.
With Donegal victors St Eunan’s waiting in the wings, and using their three weeks off to plan, plot and prepare for this competition, the Tyrone kingpins had just about eight days to celebrate their win, and turn their focus to Ulster.
Throw in the fact that teams from the Red Hand county perform infamously poorly in the tournament; even the most diehard Errigal Ciaran clubman had reason to worry.
However, the county champs showed no signs of fatigue or hangovers, as they proved to be the better side late in Saturday’s first round of Ulster, coming from behind to kick three unanswered scores in injury time, thus winning the game by two points.
Midfielder Ben McDonnell scored two of those, and he was clearly enjoying the novelty of playing provincial football.
“It’s great, like it has been a good 12 years since our club has got a win in Ulster,” said a beaming McDonnell.
“It’s good to finally get a win, get on the road, and get playing some more championship football.
“The turnaround was difficult, but it was enjoyable as well. It could have been worse, we could have been knocked out last week and not have this game to look forward to.
“I would say playing week on week can actually be beneficial, it is hard to beat what that can do for teams.
“They (St Eunan’s) were sitting there three weeks out, and probably went in a little bit flatter than what we were, so I don’t really complain about the week’s turnaround to be honest – a lot of people told us that it would go against us, but we enjoyed it.”
In a squad that contains both Darragh and Ruairi Canavan, it is perhaps a little surprising to see McDonnell finish the game with three points, and stand up in the clutch moments to drive his team over the line.
His third score – which came late in injury time and put them into the lead – was borne from a beautiful bit of skill and guile that saw him get into a position where he could fist it over the bar.
“My feet wouldn’t be renowned for being the most reliable, so I went for the fisted point with that last one just to be sure,” chuckled the midfielder.
“I’m just glad that they all went over. I don’t score too often and to get three is probably a record for me, so I’m delighted.”
Next up are Antrim champions Erin’s Own Cargin, and it will be a bit of a family affair there, as Errigal manager Enda McGinley has some skin in the game.
“Focus will turn now straight away on Cargin, I know we have a bit of a connection with them.
“Enda McGinley is married into Cargin, he has three brothers-in-law playing for them, so that will add a wee bit more interest,” McDonnell added.
“We are really looking forward to it, we’re not too used to getting on the road in Ulster, so it will be a good experience for us.”