Following their fourth SFC success in five years and with an Ulster Championship opener against Glenties on the horizon next month, Cargin’s Michael McCann speaks to the Saffron Gael and reflects on his side’s season to date.
Michael McCann has seen it all in a long successful career, both in Saffron and the green and white of Cargin. McCann suffered disappointment in 2021 when Cargin lost to neighbours Creggan in the Championship final but all is well that ends well.
Cargin avenged that defeat to their fiercest rivals in this year’s semi-final at Dunsilly and the former All Star replacement and Railway cup medalist collected his fourth SFC medal in five years with a win over Aghagallon in the final at Corrigan Park on the 9th October.
After enduring a long spell on the side-lines this year through injury, ‘Mick’ celebrated success with his colleagues on the wind lashed Corrigan sod to collect his 7th medal in total.
“To be honest I never thought it was possible for me. I suffered for most of the year with a lingering groin problem”.
After extensive treatment McCann was able to take his place in the quarter-final, semi-final and final and his second half goal against Aghagallon proved the turning point in a final where they trailed for long periods to Naomh Muire.
“I am grateful to my wife Seainin, my boys, Charley, Tom, and Max as well as Ronan (Devlin), Fabian (Muldoon) and Dougal’ for the patience they have shown”.
“I spent much of the summer on the injury list, and was probably not easy to live with and despite my exertions and the class treatment I received I was only able to resume training in the last week of August in anticipation of a return in the championship”.
“I managed to start in the quarter final game against Lamh Dhearg and was involved in what turned out to be a frantic semi-final against Creggan and that spell of extra time left a mark”.
“The final against Aghagallon proved to be another lengthy affair and when we concluded the opening period five points in arrears we looked in trouble”
“I was fortunate to have witnessed the character of our under-15 team in their championship success a few weeks previously when they came from thirteen point behind at half time to win by a point. If inspiration was required those boys provided it”
“We needed a good start to the second half but when St Mary’s struck first for their third goal to take an eight point lead we looked in more trouble.
In the event our lads rallied to the cause as we dug deep and went a point ahead but an Aghagallon late pointed free sent the game to extra time”
“Having just managed to find the net a few minutes before the end of normal time I felt better but Aghagallon took the lead again but we finished strongly and points from Tomas (McCann), Pat Shivers, Benen Kelly, Sean O’ Neill, and captain fantastic James Laverty saw us claim our 11th senior title”.
“Although this was my 7th title I have no hesitation in saying this one will go up there as the best. I have been asked about retirement but that is not on my mind at present. My oldest son Charley, who gained his first piece of silverware himself this year, is adamant I should play on”.
“In the meantime we look forward to the visit of Donegal representatives Glenties in a few weeks-time as we dip out toes into the Ulster club championship”
