Sinéad Regan says it is Sligo's time to deliver

Michael Bolton

Sligo captain Sinéad Regan says Sligo can compete with anyone as they prepare for the start of the All-Ireland junior championship.

Sligo goes into the All-Ireland on the back of a positive Division Four campaign, which saw them reach the semi-finals.

The campaign included a victory over fellow Connacht side Leitrim, who won the Intermediate All-Ireland championship last season.

After a close defeat to Fermanagh, who also won an All-Ireland last season, Regan sees no reason why Sligo can't compete with the best.

"There is nothing between a lot of these teams. In the last couple of years, we seem to be on the wrong side of narrow defeats in the championship.

"The fact that we got over the line against Leitrim this year, and we put it up to Fermanagh in the semi-final, shows we are not a million miles off.

"This year, we are trying to take the positives from what those teams have done. You look at Leitrim, a small county like ourselves - our neighbours - they did absolutely amazing, winning the intermediate and progressing to senior."

A group containing Derry, Limerick, Kilkenny, and Louth, Sligo's All-Ireland hopes have often been ended in close encounters and crucial moments.

Under new management, game management and control have been focal points.

For Regan, it may not be a case of now or never, but she is keen for this year to be the year of success for Sligo.

"In the last couple of years, we have been there or thereabouts, but we just can't get over the line.

"This year, we want this to be our year. We want to get over the line. Every year, we say 'next year,' but we want this year to be our year.

"There are a few girls now who have been around for a couple of years with no silverware, and there are only so many 'next years.'

"It is the little things and the fine details we have been trying to work on. Something like starting games slowly has been an issue in the past, so we are trying to get off to a good start, find consistency in games, and see out games.

"With the new management this year, they come with fresh ideas."