By Mary-Anne McNulty
Maryanne@inishtimes.com

An Inishowen soccer official believes switching the Inishowen Reserve League to Saturdays could be a huge success.
Michael McLaughlin, a prominent Inishowen League referee, told Inish Times Sport a move from the current Sunday morning schedule could be a “real boost” for the two reserve leagues.
“The 11am start is not ideal for a number of reasons,” said McLaughlin. “Many clubs rely on their reserve players to turn out for the first team matches, but because there is so little time between the two, they are often unable to play.
“I also think a change to Saturdays would help increase squad numbers. So many of our young men are working away down the country, and they really look forward to their Saturday night out when they return to Inishowen.
“Most of them are up at the crack of dawn during the week, and as a result they are opting for a lie-in on Sundays rather than getting up for the match.”
Carrowmena manager Raymond Dougal is also in favour of a switch. He said: “I think it would be a great benefit to the whole of Inishowen soccer.
“We are playing more games now than we were five years ago, and that is taking its toll on the pitches.
“With the emphasis placed on warm-ups these days, there’s the guts of five hours of football being played on a pitch in the one day, and this could be resolved if the reserves played their games the day before.
“The schedule also limits the squad a first team manager can put out. We rely on reserve players when numbers are down, but you’re reluctant to use players who have only just finished a morning game and are cold by the time they get to the afternoon game, and therefore increase the risk of injury.”
McLaughlin has raised the matter with referee appointments officer Eunan Kelly, who told Inish Times Sport he was “all for it”.
Kelly said: “I think it could be a good thing for both players and referees. It would leave them less anxious about having to get up early on Sundays, and would address many of the concerns managers have at present.
“Obviously, a change like this would be for the League to decide, but I will definitely be speaking to Diarmuid O’Brien (Inishowen League secretary) about it.
“I don’t know where the clubs stand, but I’d say it would be about 50/50 where the referees are concerned, so maybe it’s something for everyone to think about.”