McCabe quits Ports to resume Erne career

Portadown soccer star Shane McCabe has thrown in his lot with his native Fermanagh.

The 30-year-old is the only new face on the Erne panel of 35 who take on London in the Allianz National Football League in Ruislip this weekend.

McCabe stepped down from the Ports last week to give his undivided attention to the Ernesiders.

The talented playmaker famously combined both roles in 2008 when he lined out in the Ulster final with Fermanagh against Armagh and also played with the Ports in European soccer.

However the Belcoo O’Rahillys man has decided to concentrate on Gaelic football for this season as Erne team spokesman Gerard Treacy explained. “Shane stood down from Portadown last week and has no soccer commitments. Although he did not feature in the Dr McKenna Cup, he had been playing some in-house matches with us.

“He is impressed with the set-up and at 30 he realises that he might not get too many more chances.

“In 2008 he was an impact sub but he wants to give his full attention to Fermanagh this year.

And of course he is only one of 35 players who are seeking to impress manager Peter Canavan.

“Shane is steeped in the GAA and his father Hugh played for and later managed Fermanagh” said Treacy.

Former All Star Martin McGrath is also included in the panel but is not expected to start the first few matches due to a long standing injury.