The last time Fermanagh played Waterford in the All Ireland series Aine McHugh was coming to terms with a prolonged absence due to a torn cruciate ligament. That was two years ago in the All Ireland semi final. McHugh had done the damage in the previous round. Two years on Fermanagh have another quarter final and McHugh is right back where she belongs in the engine room of the Fermanagh midfield.
The Kinawley native explained this week that it was great to be back in the green again.
“This is my first full season back and it is great. You miss it when you can’t play and it was hard watching on from the sideline knowing you can’t play so I am delighted to be back.”
For most players coming back from such a devastating injury there is always something of a fear factor but McHugh says she prefers to just get on with things.
“No, I don’t really think about it all. I just go out and play. If it goes it goes so in the meantime I get on with things and try to play the best I can.”
For Fermanagh to win this Saturday it will take more than McHugh playing at her best. Underdogs for the encounter with the Munster champions they know that it will be a tough battle but there is plenty of confidence floating around the Erne camp too.
“I think that we know that they are a very strong team. They have nippy forwards and a very good midfield but then I think that if we can play to our potential then we can get the win. It is going to be tough but if we play well I know we are good enough,” McHugh said.
Fermanagh’s form has really picked up in recent weeks and there is no doubt that they are a much better team than what lost the Ulster final to Down.
“Things have been going very well in training and there is a real good vibe about the squad and we can’t wait to get the match played now. We really want to go out and show what we can do,” the midfielder explained.
This year has seen a new management team in place and has also seen a number of players unavailable for selection but McHugh points to the young blood that has come into the side as a real positive for the future.
“I really think there is a good mix of youth and experience there at the moment and you can see the confidence growing with the young girls as the year has gone on. They are beginning to realise that they are good enough to play at this level and that is great to see.”
Fermanagh fans will be hoping that the team can combine to produce their best display of the season to date. If they do then a shock will be on the cards. Not that it will come as any surprise to McHugh and the rest of the Erne ladies.