Fergal O Sé hopes All-Ireland can be start of new era for An Cheathrú Rua

Michael Bolton

As An Cheathrú Rua prepares for the All-Ireland junior final, young players like Fergal Ó Sé have put the Galway side back on the map.

Previously senior football winners in Galway, An Cheathrú Rua endured difficult times, suffering two consecutive relegations.

After 35 straight seasons in senior football, relegation battles took their toll in 2022, with the Gaeltacht side finding themselves in junior football very quickly.

However, this season has seen young players stepping up, with the likes of Ó Sé driving them to county and provincial titles. Reflecting on their journey, Ó Sé expressed his satisfaction in overcoming the challenging period.

"We knew we had to make a change. After all the losses, it was make or break—we had to shift the momentum and change the direction we were heading in.

"It's hard to enjoy the game when you're losing over and over. Even going to training on late, cold nights was tough. It really gets to you.

"You can see it's a lot more enjoyable this year when you're winning. You love going to training, enjoy showing up for everything, no matter the weather or the conditions—you just want to be there.

"Even when we were losing over the past few years, the lads were still showing up and putting the work in."

For younger players joining the team, the success of underage sides has clearly contributed to this season's achievements. Ó Sé also welcomed the increased competition within the squad.

Ahead of Saturday's final, he acknowledged the vital role played by the younger members of the team.

"All the young lads—they're still in school—have been a big help to the team. They're really stepping up and doing their part.

"It makes all the difference. It pushes you harder when there are young lads trying to break into the team.

"As a collective, everyone is pushing each other, and that's probably what makes us better as a team."