Fermanagh start their Ulster Minor League on March 16 this year with a home tie against Donegal while further games against Antrim, Tyrone and Derry will provide a tough league campaign.

Fermanagh manager Keith Reilly admits that although preparations for the season have been a bit disjointed so far, things are starting to take shape.

“Ideally we would have liked to have had a few more sessions but with the snow in January, school matches, school exams it has been tough to get everyone out. We have had four proper good sessions so far and our next game is a challenge match on February 26 against Leitrim in Ballyconnell so the season is well and truly in operation now.” Reilly has also added to his backroom team with the introduction of Kevin O’Rourke and he feels he will be a good addition.

“Kevin knows his stuff and has got good experience with coaching teams and if he can add anything to the side then it will be terrific. We were late getting out in the first place with the late appointment and we had three sessions postponed in January due to the snow but we have an average of 22 players out training and hopefully the boys will buy into what we are trying to achieve.” The Fermanagh squad this year will have 13 U17 players meaning it will be a young squad. Players such as Cian McManus, Nathan Stewart, Jason Flanagan and Rory McCaffrey will bring a wealth of experience from last year’s squad while players that will still be around in 2016 include Shane McGullion (Derrygonnelly), Michael Og McGarrigle (Erne Gaels), Paul Og O’Reilly and Eoin Curran (both St. Patrick’s).

Fermanagh will come up against Antrim away in the league with the sides set to clash again in the Ulster Championship clash at Brewster Park on May 31. Reilly’s immediate thoughts though are on the league and assesssing his squad.

“Myself and Colum (Monahan) have sat down and we know it’s looking like a two year plan with this squad but we also know we have players that are good enough to win games. During the league we hope to assess the whole panel and try players out in different positions while also checking the fitness of the entire squad throughout the season.” Reilly acknowledges that Fermanagh have limited numbers to select from while he also feels there are areas that need addressed so that players are ready when they move up to minor level.

“Last season the bulk of this squad should have been playing for Fermanagh U17s but that just didn’t happen and it’s something we really need to address as a matter of urgency. Our pick is limited and we are behind a lot of other counties with getting a squad ready but we know the work must start now for us.” A key player for Fermanagh in 2015 is likely to be Teemore’s Cian McManus although the talented defender is currently tied up with St. Pat’s Cavan in the MacRory Cup.

“I have spoken to him and we understand his situation with St. Patrick’s Cavan in the MacRory Cup. We’re happy that he is training with the school and he is certainly getting competitive games with them. He has came to some of the sessions and met the squad so he certainly isn’t shying away. He’s a good lad and he is looking forward to the challenge ahead with Fermanagh.” And Reilly admits he is happy with the attitude of the squad to date.

“I’m more than happy to be honest. The players are all likeable lads and they are training hard. There is already a good team bond there that I wouldn’t have seen so early anywhere else and the players all want to win. Donegal will be a big test for us in the league but that is the test we want to be involved in.” Fermanagh Minor squad: James Gillespie, Matty McAloon (Belcoo); Conor Cameron, Colm Jones, Shane McGullion, Lee Jones (Derrygonnelly); James McCaffrey (Derrylin); Aaron Robinson (Devenish); Conor Goodwin, Conor Carney, Neil McDermott, Brendan Lilley, Nathan Stewart, Michael Dooris, Ciaran Smith (Enniskillen); Michael Óg McGarrigle, Dara Dolan (Erne Gaels); Bernard McGovern, Daire ó Cathain (Kinawley); Colin Copeland (Lisnaskea); Jason Flannagan (Newtownbutler); Eoghan Curran, Shay Cadden, Paul óg Ó’Reilly (St. Pat’s); Cian McManus, Niall Clarke, Conor McGann, Eammon Drumm (Teemore); Rory McCaffrey, Stephen Fee, Lorcan McDonagh (Tempo); James Toye (Brookeborough).