The St. Ronan’s Lurgan management team. From left – David Wilson, Colm Fegan, Mickey Donnelly

As Monday’s MacRory Cup final approaches the Saffron Gael have been following the progress of both colleges with a particular interest in players from Co. Antrim who will be representing both St. Ronan’s Lurgan and St. Mary’s Magherafelt. We have contacted both seats of learning and spoken to the managers to find out how important the players from Antrim clubs have been to their respective campaigns this season and we thank both schools for their prompt and courteous response to our request.

First of all we spoke to David Wilson from St. Ronan’s Lurgan.

Saffron Gael:  Did you think at the start of the season that you would be in contention for a place in the MacRory Cup final?

David Wilson: Yes as the team made the semi-final of the Rannafast 2 years ago so the plan was always to be where we are now.

 

Saffron Gael: Who have been your outstanding performers this year?

David Wilson: The Aghagallon boys have been excellent Jack Lenehan has been instrumental in midfield, Aidan Mulholland and Jamie Lamont ever present in defence and Adam Loughran has been superb in the half-forward line where he got Man of the Match in the MacCormick final.

 

Saffron Gael:  How big a part have the boys from Aghagallon played in this year’s journey to the MacRory final?

David Wilson: As I said above, the Aghagallon boys have all been excellent but our success has been based on a solid all round team unit.

 

Saffron Gael:  Tell me something about the management team. Names, what clubs they belong to and any past honours as players?

David Wilson – St Peter’s Lurgan. Past pupil. Won Ulster minor & senior championships with Armagh in the mid/late 90s. Won a Ryan cup with Queens in 1999.

Mickey Donnelly – Aghaloo

Colm Fegan – Annaclone

 

Saffron Gael:  Anything else you would like to add?

David Wilson: To be in the final is great for the school, local clubs and greater Lurgan area and let’s hope the lads can go out and put their best foot forward on the day.

The St. Mary’s Aghagallon boys who are part of the St. Ronan’s Lurgan panel for Monday’s MacRory Cup final

Aghagallon players Luke Mulholland, Gerry Downing, Adam Loughran, Marc McAfee, Aidan Mulholland, Jamie Lamont, Jack Lenehan who are part of the St. Ronan’s panel