ERRIGAL Ciaran boss Johnny McBride is resigned to being without Darragh Canavan for the upcoming club championship, but says that it’s imperative that the rest of the team isn’t unduly disheartened by the news.

The talented forward broke his wrist during a recent training session with the club and will almost certainty miss out on Errigal Ciaran’s championship campaign, which starts against Pomeroy on Sunday week.

It also leaves him touch and go to play any part in Tyrone U20’s All-Ireland semi-final clash against Dublin on the weekend of October 17/18.

Canavan isn’t Errigal Ciaran’s only injury worry at present; their vice-captain Pauric McAnenly sustained a cruciate injury a few weeks ago, while Peter Og McCartan had to go off with a shoulder injury early on in last Sunday’s convincing 1-16 to 0-5 victory over Carrickmore.

McCartan’s direct replacement, Odhran Robinson, made a huge impact though, scoring 1-3 from play in his 50-odd minutes on the pitch, so manager Johnny McBride knows that they have a good squad at present.

“We’ve lost a few men with serious injuries but we’ve a big squad. You have to believe in the players you have, and they have to believe in themselves. It’s important everyone we play knows we’re in a game.”

Canavan’s loss is particularly significant though. He’d been in top form in Errigal’s opening two league matches, and is presently a member of Mickey Harte’s senior panel, albeit he’d been released to play in the Tyrone U20’s upcoming All-Ireland semi-final.

McBride said: The bottom line is that I’d say Darragh won’t be fit to play in the championship.

“It’s unfortunate first and foremost for the lad on a personal level, and hopefully he makes a full recovery.

“It’s one of those things, and as a squad it takes a day or two to process it. You have to go again, we have a big panel and I have to show belief in those lads as well.

“You can use it as an excuse or you can move on. Obviously Pauric did the cruciate as well, it’s difficult but you just have to get on with it and there’s no point in feeling sorry for ourselves.”

McBride, who is in his first year in charge of Errigal, was delighted that his side produced the goods nonetheless in a comfortable victory over Carrickmore. Ultimately they’ll be judged on how they fare in the championship after losing two of the last three finals.

“You could paint the Carrickmore match whatever way suits, but it was great to get a response and that’s what I was wanting.

“Once the championship starts the league will probably drop off some team’s radars, that’s the reality at it, but teams have been going reasonably well.

“Carrickmore have been missing a few players as well but we’re happy with how the game went. Aaron McAnenly did well and he’s not on the panel long, we brought Odhran on for Peter Og and he did well.

“Errigal has a tradition but haven’t won the championship in eight years. They’re blooding new players and that’s the way it has to work.”

By Niall Gartland