McKaigue hails the Moran model
SLAUGHTNEIL’S championship success of 2004 was built on underage success. Of the side that beat Bellaghy for an historic first title, 11 players featured in the St Paul’s minor tournament.
Coming back from an unfortunate own goal against Ardboe to win it in 1998. Learning a harsh lesson at the hands of Cavan Gaels the following year. In adverse weather conditions winter football helped boys become men.
It took the best part of the decade for the next successful senior team to assemble, one such newcomer was Chrissy McKaigue, either side of his spell with Sydney Swans.
McKaigue was too old for the U21 winning team skippered by his brother Karl. After that came a younger group playing second fiddle to Glen’s all conquering minor team.
From the Ulster Club Final two years ago until Sunday there will be the turnaround of six players. Meehaul McGrath, Padraig Cassidy, Keelan Feeney, Paul McNeill, Sé and Shane McGuigan are all likely to start against Kilcoo.
“We are very fortunate to be benefiting from good underage structures,” highlights McKaigue. “Bringing our youth through, undoubtedly it has helped our senior set up.”
Is there pressure after having won the title and a possibility to create more history?
“We realize how lucky we are to be in the position we are in,” adds McKaigue. “It's just great to be playing big games most weekends. There is always high expectations in our club and as a playing group we'd want it no other way.”
Sunday will be McKaigue’s 14th championship game this season. The same can be said for the other seven ‘dual starters’. McKaigue speaks about the inner desire to keep achieving.
“Our hunger stays up because as a playing group we are competing with each other and driving each other to get better.”
Slaughtneil have had their fair share of narrow defeats. Twice to Ballinderry in finals (2008 and 2012). Collie Devlin’s influence both in the 2006 semi-final and 2010 quarter final.
Richard Carey’s wonder goal up at Glenullin in 2010, Benny Quigg’s the following year at the same venue and Brian Mullan’s winning point in 2013 at Owenbeg.
McKaigue points to Slaughtneil’s change in fortunes, now the masters at holding firm in tight games.
“Mickey Moran has created a model for us on and off the field. We know what we expect from each other and I think that's reflected in our playing style.”