Errigal Ciaran beat Kilcoo last weekend to be crowned Ulster champions for the first time since 2002.
The Tyrone champions have taken the scenic route to glory, as their county final was postponed due to a storm, which meant that they had to play it just a week before the Ulster championship began.
Due to the fact that Errigal were drawn to compete in the preliminary round of the provincial competition, it means that they have played more games at that level, than anyone else in Ulster.
You would think after such a long season, and an All-Ireland semi-final just around the corner from Christmas waiting for them, that the Ballygawley men could put the feet up and relax for a little while.
However, the blue and white jerseys will be out in force again this Sunday as they play Carrickmore in a league semi-final play-off.
Because of the way that the divisional structures work in the Red Hand county, the play-offs to compete in the league final take place when all of the qualified teams are no longer competing in the championship.
Normally this isn’t too much of an issue, as Errigal are actually the only Tyrone team to win Ulster in the county’s history, and it’s been 22 years since they last achieved that.
The fixtures need to be filled nonetheless, and this Sunday Enda McGinley will line his players out once again, against a team who have not played a competitive match in 11 weeks.
Speaking at Tyrone’s annual convention last Tuesday, county chairman Martin Sludden did raise the issue.
READ HERE: 'I Wouldn't Be Renowned For My Scoring'; Unlikely Hero Inspires Errigal Ciaran To Ulster Glory
READ HERE: 'It Wasn't Good Enough': Stacks' Manager Surprisingly Downbeat After 26 Point Munster Final Win
“Play-offs, whether it be for promotion, relegation or play-offs for Div 1 league are proving difficult to get played whilst teams are still in the club championship.
“I thank the clubs for their patience during this period, especially the clubs who are waiting to play.
“I welcome the motions this evening from Dromore and Carrickmore. Hopefully this will generate discussion within our clubs to seek a better way forward.”
Last year, county champions Trillick made it to the semi-final stages of Ulster after beating Crossmaglen in the quarter-finals, and didn’t finish their league campaign until the 10th of December, beating Carrickmore in the Division One final.
It was a historic double for the club, and with the run that Errigal are on at the moment, they might just do the same, although there is no denying that they have bigger days out to prepare for in the immediate future.
SEE ALSO: 2024 Cork Hurling Captain Wins Junior A Club Football Final With Ridiculous Free
