Kilmacrennan Celtic ready to pick up the pace - John Sandilands

Kilmacrennan Celtic joint boss John Sandilands says it’s been a steady enough start to the season from his side but the pace needs to be picked up now. 

From their five outings so far, last season’s Premier Division runners-up have won three, drawn one and lost one. They are currently five adrift of top-of-the-table and reigning champions Fanad United. 

However, Kilmacrennan do have a game in hand. And Sandilands says it’s vital that they remain in the vicinity of their title rivals, even at this early juncture of the season. 

Sandilands, alongside another Kilmac stalwart, James Doherty, have picked up the reins at the Lurgysiders for 2023/24 following the departure of Gerard 'Zola' McGranaghan.  

Kilacrennan have lost last season’s Brian McCormick Cup winning captain Ryan Shields while Matty McLaughlin has rejoined his native Swilly Rovers. But Sandilands is confident the players he has got at his disposal can mount another title challenge. 

“It’s been a steady enough start - we’d three good wins right away, back-to-back,” he said. “The draw then came against St Catherine’s. They are a really good side so that was probably a fair result. 

“Then, last time out, we lost to Gweedore Celtic 3-1. It was a disappointing result but we’ve a chance now at the weekend to go again.”

This Sunday, Kilmacrennan are on the road away to Kildrum Tigers. Shane McGinty’s men have started the season well and currently sit second in the standings. So Sunday’s clash is very hard to call. 

“I don’t think many go up there and come away with all three points,” Sandilands explained. “Over the years, they’ve been one of the league’s top teams. 

“If we get anything up there we’d be more than happy. There are four or five sides near the top, all in close proximity to each other. But I still think Fanad will be the team to beat. Whoever finishes ahead of them will more than likely lift the title. 

“They haven’t stood still and they’ve strengthened in the pre-season”.

With ex Finn Harps star Doherty still pulling on his boots, Sandilands patrols the line on match days but he says it’s a dynamic that works. 

“Gerard stepped down, he’d done his time. He hasn’t gone too far though because he’s actually playing this year! So we have plenty of good voices there and experience to guide the thing along. 

“So most bases are covered in that sense. Like you say, the league is still the big one for us. It was lovely to win the Brian McCormick Cup last year - the club had never done that. It was a real aim for us. 

“But the league remains the main aim. Ryan and Matty are big losses. But we’ve taken the likes of Jordan Gallagher in from Bonagee. And with the GAA finishing up, we’ve had Enda McCormick back in and Caolan Kelly and Shane McDevitt from Glenswilly are also back on board”.