Scullion helps Ulster keep on the rails
TONY Scullion holds six Railway Cup medals as a player and on Saturday was involved in a managerial capacity as Ulster annexed their 32nd title. Scullion and Armagh’s Martin McQuillan played in Ulster’s six-in-a-row dominance from 1989 until 1995 – with the 1990 competition remaining unplayed.
“I have been involved with Brian McEniff and Art McRory when we won it a few times,” indicated Scullion. “I was with Joe Kernan, with ‘Banty’ (Seamus McEneaney) and now I am with Pete McGrath – so I’ve probably been involved in five or six victories in the management.”
The Derry link with this year’s triumph didn’t end there. Greenlough’s Enda Lynn (pictured) notched three points as Ulster saw off Connacht 2-16 to 3-10 at the weekend.
Lynn endured an injury ravaged season but returned for Derry in the qualifiers and scored 1-5 for Greenlough in their SFC defeat to Magherafelt. The extra games at the back end of the year will prove invaluable as he forces his way back into Damian Barton’s plans with Derry.
Two players who could have done without the extra yardage were Slaughtneil duo Chrissy McKaigue and Brendan Rogers. McKaigue’s fleeting appearance after half time lasted a mere three minutes before being black carded and replaced by clubmate Rogers.
“That just says enough of what Chrissy and Brendan think of it. It meant so much to them to wear the Ulster jersey and to win a Railway Cup medal. It’s nothing to be sniffed at.”
The competition is much maligned with the GAA struggling to find a place in the calendar to get it squeezed in.
“People were saying play it around the All-Ireland Final weekend without the counties involved, but clubs are involved in championship and you’re not going to get players,” surmised Scullion.
“In fairness to Ulster, we would always get a response (from the players). I am disappointed, there is no point in telling anything different, in Donegal and Monaghan. It hurt me a wee bit that they didn’t row in behind the Ulster effort. We had seven counties in our team through the semi-finals and final, it’s just a pity we didn’t have the full nine.”
On Sunday Scullion was alongside a rival from yesteryear, a man who on many occasions plotted Derry’s downfall.
“Pete McGrath is a gentleman and a GAA man through and through - it is a real honour to be working with Pete. Back in the 1990s he was managing against us (Derry) in big games but that’s what the GAA is about.”
Scullion also spoke highly of the Tyrone contingent and their loyalty to the Ulster cause. “Mattie Donnelly had fluid in his knee and wasn’t fit to play in the semi-final. He contacted me and said ‘I hope to be ready for the final’, he came on with 20 minutes to go and played a very important part in getting us across the line.
“The Cavanaghs (Sean and Colm) were away on holidays from the semi-final and only for that, they would have both been involved. Tyrone always row in behind it and to be fair every county does.”