Rovers to roar as Glenhest tackle fast Super League start

STEPHEN McLoughlin is clear about Glenhest Rovers’ starting point this season.

“The objective in any sport is always to be better,” he said. “Last year was an incredible year right from the get-go.

"We won 13 league games and finished third. It really was a year of years for us.”

Having come back up as Premier champions, Glenhest marked their return to the Super League with a
third-place finish.

McLoughlin would like to go higher, but his emphasis is on stability. “Obviously the objective is to try and go one better, but we really want to consolidate ourselves in the league,” he said.

“We’re not eyeing Super League titles or anything like that. We’re looking to repeat where we were last year, try and win those games and see where that brings us.

We want to go as high as we can and we’ll see where that takes us.”

There have been no major changes to the squad. “There’s no marquee departures or arrivals,” he said.

Movement between the A and B teams has taken place, but the core group remains intact. “I was happy enough just to get most of our lads back again. Those are the signings I’m happy with.”

Like a lot of clubs, Glenhest must balance commitments across codes. “Most clubs in the Mayo League
will have lads involved in other sports,” McLoughlin said.

“We were able to combine it pretty well last year. I don’t see it as a distraction, in fairness to the lads and the clubs they’re with. We have a good understanding and relationship, and it hasn’t been an issue.”

The new split-season format adds a different edge to the campaign. After nine games, the league will
divide into top and bottom sections, increasing the pressure early on.

“Historically, there have probably been many leagues within the Super League,” he said. “For ourselves, the objective is to be in that top five once the split happens.

"Every single match has merit to make sure you’re where you need to be. Once it happens, there’s more jeopardy.”

As for the title race, McLoughlin expects familiar contenders. “Castlebar will go off as favourites, and
worthy of so,” he said.

“Westport are a fine young team and improving. Ballyheane shouldn’t be discounted either. Outside of the top two, there’s a group there that can surprise.”

For Glenhest, though, the message is consistent. “Finish inside the top five,” he said. “That’s the
objective. Then we see where it takes us.”