Peter the Great’s reign on Erneside off to perfect start

AN HOUR before throw-in, Brewster Park officials directed a luxury coach into the ground.

A few diehards, arriving early and buoyed by the prospect of a new season rolling out in front of them, strained to get a view of the Antrim team emerging. But then Peter Canavan stepped out. A late present from Santa Claus.

Fermanagh have been here before, with optimism. Once upon a time, former Meath player Terry Ferguson was deposited in Lisnaskea for a National League match by helicopter for his first game as county manager.