By Michael McMullan

CREGGAN must be mindful of Mayo’s long-lasting search for glory as they prepare for a shot at winning a first title in 67 years, according to Conor McCann.

Gerard McNulty’s side saw off three-in-a-row champions Cargin on Sunday.

Antrim hurling captain McCann uses the word relief after eventually getting over the side which toppled them in two of the last three county finals. Cargin needed a replay to emerge when they locked horns in the 2016 quarter-finals.

“Beating our rivals and a team we have struggled with for so many years, it is a nice feeling now,” said McCann, who is full of respect for their neighbours’ lofty heights.

“In the last two seasons in particular, we’ve felt we’ve been very close and fell short,” he added.

“They were on the back of winning three successive titles and full credit where it is due. They didn’t seem like they could’ve been beaten for a number of years.”

Littered with disappointment, Creggan went back to the well this season and after goals from Tomás McCann and Pat Shivers, they trailed 2-5 to 0-7 at half-time in Sunday’s showdown before McCann and midfield partner put their shoulder to the wheel that drove Creggan through a rampant 10-minute spell that saw them on their way to victory.

“It does take time to even get yourself back into the form that you want to go out and play or train,” McCann said of the hurt they amassed over the past couple of winters.

“Full credit to all our players and management, they have been working very hard. The aim was to get back into the final, to get into the mix and see where it takes us. Days like Sunday makes the sacrifices that everybody has put in all worth it.”

McCann always felt Creggan were close to making a breakthrough. It wasn’t just a magic formula this season.

“I don’t think we felt we were better prepared; we always do all we can any time we go out and maybe a bit of experience of being in those positions and certain things worked in our favour and that helped us.”

The cloud that lingered over the Aghagallon win over Portglenone and chatter of a refixed game subsided quickly enough to allow Creggan to focus on what is coming down the tracks.

After the euphoria of dethroning Cargin, there is a process of reflection to take in. The Paddy McNamee Cup is as far away as ever.

“There is no point in putting that effort in and going out against Aghagallon and not performing,” McCann appeals.

“At the end of the year, you are no better off, no matter who you have beat, the players understand that.

You look at Mayo this year, they’ll be kicking themselves at how they put out Dublin and everybody thought they could’ve gone on
and won it. They have nothing to show for it.”

A title would mean everything for a club that embraces all aspects of GAA life.

“It would mean a lot to the players and the people,” he said.

“We are looking forward to it. It will be great build-up over these weeks and the club and community will enjoy it.

THE MAN MCCANN… Conor McCann is more familiar as Antrim hurling captain, but he helped the Creggan footballers get over the line against Cargin last weekend