By Shaun Casey

KILLIAN Rudden played at wing half-back five years ago when Magheracloone went on an amazing journey that led to not only an Ulster Intermediate title against Galbally, but also an All-Ireland final appearance at Croke Park.

Unfortunately, Galway side Oughterard proved too strong in the decider, but still, the Mitchell’s men formed memories that will last a lifetime. Now, Rudden and his teammates are hoping to experience the same dramatic run.

Following their victory over Truagh in the Monaghan county final, all eyes have quickly shifted towards the provincial series and the next test.

“We’ve a lot of young lads there that have come through in the last three or four years,” said Rudden

“They’ve really brought the whole team on and gelled the whole thing together. Five years ago, when we won it in 2019, it was a night that you’ll never forget. Obviously, we want to get back there, we want to try and do the job again.”

Now, they’re looking at taking down Fermanagh champions Lisnaskea, who will enjoy home advantage next Saturday night at Brewster Park.

“A lot of the time that could work in your favour,” added Rudden on the challenge of facing into the unknown.

“You just go out and express yourself on the day, you don’t have to over-think the opposition as much as you maybe would within your county.

“So, look, we’ll sit down, we’ll focus on the job with Lisnaskea and we’ll identify whoever their main threats are and we’ll try and nullify them from there.”

From day one, since boss Damian Feeney walked through the door, Magheracloone set their sights on championship glory and a return to senior football. “We met the boys at the start of the year and that was the number one goal was to get back up senior.

“We were there two years ago (in the championship final) but unfortunately we didn’t get the victory on the day. We regrouped and the boys have come in and been a breath of fresh air. We’ve achieved that goal now but we’re just not overly happy just yet, we’ve more to go.

“It’s hard to beat winning at the end of the day. We knew what we had to do to get across the line. Truagh are a phenomenal team, the two of us came down from senior last year so we knew it was going to be a tough test in the final.”

It’s 20 years since Magheracloone captured their one and only Senior Championship title. But they’ll hope to add to that stat in the coming years.

“It’s all about pushing on and making sure we’re staying senior,” Rudden continued.

“We want to try and win another Senior Championship eventually down the road. I was actually playing at half time with the u-10s (at the 2004 final).

“I have big memories of it all, I was still young at the time, so we just want to get back there and experience it ourselves as players.”