Loss of key stars has seen new players emerge

Adversity often brings out the best in champions and Fergal Clancy believes the losses of key stars in the last 12 months has actually transformed the Leitrim team.

With Emlyn Mulligan taking a year out and players like Paddy Maguire, Paul Brennan, James Glancy, Ray Cox, Wayne McKeon and the Beirne brothers no longer available, not too many fans believed in the Green & Gold chances but Fergal believes the influx of new players has been hugely positive.

“That was probably more outside the camp than inside,” said Fergal, “any man that came here at the start of the year has focussed on one goal. The panel we have here is more than capable of doing damage on championship day.

“Really we haven’t thought about the lads too much and that is not disrespecting to them, the boys that are here have put in a massive effort. Losing the players hasn’t been the be all and end all, the players who have come in have really stood up to the plate.

“It has given other guys chances to step into those boots and I think over the last few months, lads have stepped up and taken on more responsibility and it has been very positive all the way through.”