Ronan McRory enjoying journey to All-Ireland final with Errigal Ciarán

Michael Bolton

In his 20th season as a senior footballer with Errigal Ciarán, the only trophy missing from Ronan McRory's club collection is an All-Ireland title.

Having overcome an always difficult Ulster championship, the Tyrone champions won a thrilling All-Ireland semi-final against Dr Crokes to be part of the biggest day of club football.

Standing in their way is another side looking to make history in Dublin champions Cuala, who defeated Sligo champions Coolera/Strandhill in the semi-final.

At the age of 37, McRory's experience from the bench is a useful weapon for Errigal Ciarán to call upon, and an event he will not let him past by.

“It's brilliant. I won't say it was never on our radar, in your wildest dreams you might think you have a chance and for years I would have always thought we had a chance.

“But then even to get out of the Tyrone championship is so tough alone. And then when we first started getting into Ulster you had your Ballinderrys and Crossmaglens who were powerhouses not just in Ulster but all of Ireland back then.

“Then in more recent times when we got out it was the Glens, Scotstowns, and Kilcoos. We're just so thankful that we're able to get through an Ulster Final that was so tight. Obviously the Crokes game we went to extra-time again and we we're just so delighted to get to a final.

“It hasn't really sunk in because it's just a week turnaround from the semi-final.”

To put McRory's longevity into perspective, Peter Canavan was arguably the best player in the country, and his club teammate 20 years ago.

These days, it is Peter's sons Ruairí and Darragh who are terrorising defences across the country. The two brothers scored 1-13  of the team's 2-18 total.

For McRory, he can see similarities between them and how their father played.

“Kicking scores, taking men on, speed, speed of thought... the three of them can do things at such a high speed which is a very difficult skill to do.

“The two lads obviously had a quiet game by their own high standards in the Ulster Final, one point between them, but when they draw a lot of attention like that it leaves a lot of other boys free.

“They're very unselfish lads and I would pay them a huge compliment that they're as good lads as they are footballers. That's massive compliment to them. They're great lads who come from great stock in the McGarritys and Canavans.

“It's a pleasure to have been able to play with both Peter and the lads. Thank God they're Errigal people because I wouldn't like to be playing against them.”

The former Tyrone footballer has kept himself in great condition to be available for selection for the biggest day in his club career.

While he does not know when the end will be, McRory is not taking this moment for granted, and is enjoying every second of it in what is a special moment for the community.

"Personally this year, I have just tried to really enjoy it. You only really enjoy things when you are winning, and thankfully we have been doing a bit of that this year.

"The family connection is great, but as a club you always have that family connection, you always play with your brothers, your cousins, or your neighbours.

"I try to sit beside the 20-year-olds more so than the boys my age because they keep you young. I must say we have a really good bond, it is really, really special to play with your mates and the boys you grew up with.

“It's great that the young fellas have that switch because you do need it. My mindset is no different to when I started.

"Obviously as you win and you start climbing the ladder to the All-Ireland series it becomes a bit more pressure. But pressure makes diamonds, doesn't it.”