BY RYAN FERRY
IT’S been a trying season so far for St Naul’s but the return of their three country men has provided a boost before the Intermediate Championship.
St Naul’s struggled in Division 3 and were off the pace for promotion.
However, they have shown before that they can lift it when Peadar Mogan, Gavin Mulreany and Brendan McCole return from their Donegal duty.
“It’s a huge boost to have the three county lads back,” said Kilcar native Kevin Lyons who is in his first season in charge.
“Peadar, Gavin and Brendan are all class acts and it makes a big difference to training when they are there. It lifts everyone.
“But we have to be realistic about where the club is. St Naul’s were relegated to the Intermediate and we were down in Division 3 this year and finished mid-table in it.
“We were up against teams that will be competing in the Junior Championship and we lost out in a few games when we were missing men with injuries and holidays.
“We’re the only Division 3 side in the Intermediate Championship but we have more numbers back now thank God.”
Former Donegal U20 defender Niall Prenderville is in America and isn’t eligible to play in the championship and he is a loss.
However, veteran forward Stephen Griffin is back in the mix and will add to their attacking artillery.
“Stephen is still putting the shoulder to the wheel.
“He only played a few games in the league but he’s back in there now and he’s a calming influence.
“If we can have him at all, it will be a big help.
“His brother Barry is there as well but we won’t have Stuart Johnston this year and that’s a loss as he’s been a big player for St Naul’s.”
St Naul’s begin their Championship at home to Red Hughs on Sunday and then take on Milford the week after, while Burt and Naomh Muire are also on the agenda.
“I was at the Red Hughs-Burt play-off a few weeks ago,” said Lyons.
“Burt were very good that day and they are very fit. They got a black card that day and still took it fairly easily.
“Red Hughs are a big physical side and that will be a challenge for us because we are young.
“But those are the types of challenges that you face. There are no easy games in the Championship. Everyone brings their best.”