BY MICHAEL McMULLAN
Setanta captain Mark Callaghan is eagerly awaiting Saturday’s big match in Owenbeg.
After their second Ulster junior success in 2022, Setanta stepped up to intermediate and were winners over Tyrone’s Éire Óg in a thrilling final. This weekend, they dine at the top table of club hurling against the Johnnies.
“That’s where everybody wants to be at the end of the day,” Callaghan said. “We’re not here to make up the numbers, we’re here to compete.
“From a few years ago, we’ve came all the way up and it’s hard to believe that we are there. That’s where we want to be and that’s where we are this year, so we’re here to have a good crack.”
Setanta are used to the underdogs’ tag but it’s a driving force within the group. Callaghan speaks of talent and work, fused with a togetherness that lasts. That’s where the consistency comes from.
There is a satisfaction of training in the cold evenings. Facing challenges brings a purpose. Another is the boost from success. It all helps.
“We lost out in our own county last year,” he adds.
“Previous to that, we were going well and everything’s going well this year again, so we’re happy the way things are.”
Under the hood, away from the senior team, the club is healthy. Thriving. The club grounds are improving year-on-year.
There is the underage aspect with senior players dipping back in to lend a hand in producing players to follow in their footsteps.
“We’re heading in the right direction, the club is under massive development at the minute,” Callaghan concluded.
The last time Setanta arrived in Owenbeg, having stepped up a grade, they left as intermediate champions.
The odds are stacked against them.
It’s been a long 12 weeks but Setanta won’t wake up on Sunday morning wondering how close they are.
They’ll want St John’s to know on Saturday.
