BY RYAN FERRY

Red Hughs have already ticked one box for the season but team manager Darren O’Leary admits they didn’t gain much from the league.

The Pairc Aodh Rua club were disappointed to be relegated to the third tier last season.

They have bounced back to secure promotion but have had to
go looking elsewhere for challenge games to make sure they are
ready for the Intermediate Championship.

“To be quite honest, I do think the County Board have to take a serious look at Division 3,” said O’Leary, who has Mark O’Sullivan as assistant manager.

“There were three or four teams that didn’t field against us, and it’s very hard to keep boys motivated when you’re getting emails sent to you on a Wednesday or Thursday saying that teams can’t field.

“That’s frustrating because you have 25 boys out training and then you have to go looking for friendlies on a Thursday night and it’s very hard to get them at short notice.

“Don’t get me wrong we did get some good competitive games in the league but we played as many teams in Tyrone and Fermanagh as we have in Division 3 all year.

“I do think it is something that needs to be looked at.

“We got our aim with promotion. We wanted to win a wee bit of silverware but that didn’t happen when we met a good Burt side in the final, who finished unbeaten.

“We want to be competing against the strong teams in Division 2 and the Intermediate.”

Red Hughs didn’t have Jack Gillespie last year and certainly missed him but he is back from England now, although he is carrying a knock at the moment.

Stephen McMenamin and Jonny Carlin were part of the Donegal panel and will be keen to get onto the field.

The championship will be a step up and O’Leary says his team will have to be prepared for that.

“We have Cloughaneely first up at the Cross. They are a seasoned and experienced team and always were even going back to when I used to play against them.

“Our second match is against Naomh Muire and sure we know what they are all about. Danny O’Donnell has done a great job with them. They are promoted to Division 1 and will be one of the favourites for the Intermediate.

“We’re home to Milford who are another seasoned team and we finish off against Na Rossa.

“We hope to be competitive. Stephen and Jonny should be back in now after the county season, and we have a few wee niggles but we’re shaping up ok and we’re just looking forward to that first match with Cloughaneely.”

Bainisteoir: Darren O’Leary

Captain: Aaron McGlinchey

Last Year: IFC quarter-finalists

Star Man: Stephen McMenamin

One to Watch: Caolan McClintock.