Happy Irvinestown manager Shane McDermott has been with this team of serial winners for around ten years.

And his delight was understandable after yet another big win for his charges by 3-06 to 1-08 over a battling Derrygonnelly Harps- a win that puts his side firmly in the record.

But while there was understandably elation, McDermott put this remarkable success down to a remarkable group of players who are always working hard at their game and who do not know the meaning of the word defeat.

“This is our fourth minor league title in a row, and we are delighted that this is a record in Fermanagh football.

“But these are an exceptional bunch of lads who have been together right up from U-10 and they have been winners all the way.

“I have been there with them, and they have been unbeaten and that is some record.

But, McDermott admitted that “it was getting harder and harder and you saw just how close that game was out there tonight.

“The lads worked very hard, and they are a superb bunch, but Derrygonnelly showed that they are getting better and really tested us.

“They had a very good start and went three points up and we missed a few chances and then they had a chance of a goal which thankfully did not happen.”

On a slippery night, McDermott felt his side were not quite able to really express themselves, but the quality of their players saw them through.

“Derrygonnelly had their homework done and they stopped a lot of our threats and Michael Duffy was marking Mattie.”

McDermott added that this squad had a great work ethic and are constantly seeking improvement.

“They just keep doing it and they keep rising to the top.”

When asked where the turning point was, he said: “Even when the Harps went ahead the lads did not panic and they stuck to the game plan and if stick to the game we will get the result, and we have done that throughout and that is what they keep doing.”

His son Mattie’s goal was crucial as McDermott acknowledged but he saluted a very solid backline.

“They give us a good foundation and they are very good tactically as the Harps threw a few spanners at us, but we dealt with them very well.”

“Meanwhile disappointed but gracious Derrygonnelly manager Donal Meehan paid tribute to a fine Irvinestown side and acknowledged that they were the best team on the night.

“It was a great contest. We have had a good League, and we have worked hard and put a lot of preparation into and just unfortunately, it just did not happen tonight.

“They (Irvinestown) are worthy champions and are favourites for a reason and they are favourites for the championship and all we can do is dust ourselves down and get ready for the championship.

“We have a big game against Devenish in the championship, but we wish Irvinestown well.”

When told that his side was on top for long periods in the opening half, Meehan said goals were key and his team did not take their chances and hit a few into the Irvinestown keeper’s hands.

“We worked as hard as we could, and you could not fault our effort. Irvinestown are a special bunch, and it is very tough for our lads to come out the wrong side of the result again, but all we can do is prepare for the next game.

“I just felt there was a bit more in us and it did not just happen with a couple of chances.

“They got the goals on the night and our lads would be worthy champions in a lot of counties but Irvinestown are a special bunch.”