Martin Regan: We have work to do ahead of what will be a huge Killybegs test 

Martin Regan says Naomh Conaill have to get up to speed relatively quickly as they look ahead of the SFC preliminary round tangle with Killybegs at the weekend. 

Last Sunday’s 2-18 to 1-17 loss to St Michael’s at Davy Brennan Memorial Park consigned the Glenties outfit to eighth spot in the final group stage standings. 

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They were minus the highly influential Jeaic MacCeallbhuí, who is currently suspended, but have welcomed back Ethan O’Donnell, who is home from Australia.

And even though St Michael’s were deserving winners last weekend, you got the sense that there is much more in Naomh Conaill as they ready themselves for the knockout stage in the race for the Dr Maguire.

“We were just looking to find form and iron out mistakes and there were plenty of those in the game today,” said Regan after the weekend’s defeat on their own patch. 

“We have a bit of work to do now for Killybegs. St Michael’s are an experienced team and are on the go for a long time and have Michael Langan at midfield and Daniel McLaughlin and Colin McFadden.

Regan admits that Edward O’Reilly’s 39th-minute goal was a huge turning point but a little like their second green flag concession, could have been avoided. 

“They have a fair bit of power and pace about them. They got a quick kick out and Edward O’Reilly finished it very well.

“The second one was a bit freakish as the ball just got away from Kevin McGettigan and you can get those and Daniel McLaughlin finished very well.

“They got a few nice two-pointers with the wind as well. So overall, like I said, we have some work to get through”.

Regan agreed that the loss of Ciaran Thompson is being felt but believes that Naomh Conaill have the numbers and quality to absorb that considerable absence. 

“Yeah, we knew from a few weeks ago that we would not have him and he is a huge loss but we just have to carry on and do our best.

“There will always be injuries but Shay Malone is a big addition to us and is playing very well and we hope to have Max Campbell back as well and he has plenty of pace.

“We actually have a stronger bench than ever with a number of boys coming back.”