Irvinestown begin their championship campaign at home to Lisnaskea this weekend as they look to build on their impressive performances this year.

Shane McDermott’s side have set high standards after gaining promotion, back to Division One, at the first time of asking with some high-scoring displays throughout their league games.

They suffered their first defeat of the season against Teemore in the league final at Brewster Park two less than two weeks ago.

Key man Josh Largo Elis says all focus is now on championship football.

“It’s always tough losing a final and it was a hard one to take but at the end of the day the key aim for us at the start of the year was to get out of Division Two and back to Division One,” he said.

“There was not much said after just reinforcing our focus towards the championship and hopefully get a good run in it.”

Irvinestown suffered relegation last year but will return to Division One as they aim to cement a place in the top flight for the coming years.

“The whole league campaign went according to plan with us getting what we set out for at the start by getting back to Division One,” Largo Elis continued.

“We had some tough games in the league which will hopefully stand to us come championship.

"To get back to Division One was very pleasing as I feel with the squad depth we have we do belong in Division One so hopefully we can push on in that division next year.”

It’s been a successful year for Irvinestown with their reserves also landing the league and championship double in reserve football.

The future looks bright for the St Molaise’s with their younger stars beginning to make their impact on the senior team.

Largo Elis added: “Look it’s always massive having a good young side but we have a mix of young and old which really helps us.

"I hope we can compete in Division One in years to come but at the minute our only focus is towards the championship because we know it’s going to be a very hard championship but hopefully, we can go a long way in it.

"All the young boys have came into the team this year and all made a massive impact which is always great to push the team onwards.

"It’s very important for a team like us to be playing in Division One as it will only strengthen us and really develop us as players playing in the top division in the county.”

Largo Elis is anticipating a difficult group as they begin at home against an Emmets side that started the season on fire: “I can’t wait to be back playing in the championship again this year as it’s always a buzz to be playing championship matches with your club.

"Looking at our group all the matches are going to be tough as we played Lisnaskea and Donagh in the league which were very hard games and with Derrylin competing in Division One they will be a tough team to crack too.”