BY RYAN FERRY

ST MICHAEL’S have a new management team this season but there is very little change on the playing pitch. Cathal Sweeney and Raymond McLaughlin were at the helm as the Creeslough/Dunfanaghy side reached the semi-finals of the SFC last season but lost by one point against Dungloe.

Daniel McLaughlin and Martin McElhinney are now joint-managers and most of their elder statesmen are still on board.

There are some promising underage teams coming through at the Bridge but it will be a few years before they make the senior ranks so it’s up to the loyal cohort in their thirties to go to the well once again.

“We haven’t much change from last season. Just that we’re all a year older,” said Daniel McLaughlin.

“The new rules have been interesting and give teams more opportunity to and try and beat teams.

“The league was good in patches and poor in others.

“We will get Michael (Langan) back in now after a good season with the county and Mark Anthony (McGinley) is training again after concentrating on soccer at the start of the year.

“Oisin Cannon did very well in goal for us so that’s another headache but a good one to have because they are two very good players.

“We have a tough draw so making sure we get through to the Preliminary Quarter-Finals is the main target.”

Martin McElhinney has missed a good chunk of training in recent weeks but is nearing a return to action now.

“Martin hurt his ankle against Kilcar and was in a boot but he’s out of that now.

“He’s slowly getting back into it now.

“I’m not sure if it will be the first or second match that he’s back but he’s a big player for us and the sooner he is available the better.”

This is the third season since 2021 that St Michael’s will open their Championship campaign against MacCumhaills and the sides know each other well.

McLaughlin respects the challenge they will bring to the Bridge and their leading man in attack.

“We have played MacCumhaills a lot and it always seems to end in a draw.

“Even when we played them this season in the league it was a draw so there isn’t much between the teams.

“Obviously you have to throw Oisin (Gallen) into the mix now. Many county defenders struggle to handle him never mind club players so it’s going to be difficult.

Bainisteoir: Daniel McLaughlin and Martin McElhinney

Captain: Colin McFadden

Last Year: SFC semi-finalists

Star Man: Michael Langan

One to Watch: Max Roarty.