Erne Gaels led by a point entering the closing stages, but a superb save from Harps goalkeeper Dermot Feely kept Derrygonnelly alive before late scores from substitutes Leigh Jones and Kevin Cassidy secured victory.

McLaughlin, however, prefers to focus on the bigger picture rather than what might have been.

His GAA roots run deep. His late father Willie was a respected player and official with Corlea, while his older brothers Gerard and Liam introduced him to football and hurling from an early age.

“My first memory is of Erne Gaels losing to Teemore in the 1974 county final,” he recalled. “Then there were the trips to matches with my brothers and seeing Erne Gaels finally win the championship in 1979.”

He also remembers the dramatic 1981 final victory over Belcoo, inspired by Gerry Gallagher and Gerry Rooney.

“Gerry Gallagher brought new ideas and tactics. I still remember being in the dressing room after that comeback win. They were special times.”

For McLaughlin, managing Erne Gaels between 2015 and 2017 was a privilege. After a semi-final defeat to Roslea in 2015, his side came agonisingly close to county glory the following year.

“We just failed to get over the line against Derrygonnelly,” he said. “Leigh Jones and Kevin Cassidy came on and got the winning scores. We played with a sweeper, but Archie Greene had Derrygonnelly pushing up on us and they edged it.

“That was really the start of the rivalry. We had another huge battle in the 2017 quarter-final and that was incredibly tight as well.”

Asked what makes Derrygonnelly such a successful club, McLaughlin points to something deeper than football.

“The great thing about Derrygonnelly is their sense of community. They epitomise everything a club should be. The way everyone pulls together is remarkable and to win five titles in a row was an incredible achievement.”

He is equally complimentary about former Harps manager Martin “Archie” Greene.

“Archie was one of the most underrated managers in Fermanagh. People speak about inter-county management and I always felt he had the qualities to do that job if he wanted it.”

McLaughlin also credits the succession of managers who maintained Derrygonnelly’s success.

“Sean Flanagan and Mick Glynn came in and Sean brought huge passion and drive. Then Shane Ward helped take them to another level and reaching an Ulster final in 2021 was a tremendous achievement.”

While Derrygonnelly won another county title against Erne Gaels in 2023, McLaughlin believes momentum has shifted in recent seasons.

Erne Gaels defeated the Harps in the 2024 county semi-final and followed that by ending a 43-year wait for a championship title.

“When that famine finally ended, it was wonderful,” he said. “It brought a wave of joy across the whole area.”

He believes the current Erne Gaels squad is packed with quality, highlighting the Kelm brothers, Ryan Lyons, Tommy McCaffrey, the McCann brothers, Odhrán Johnston, Ultan O’Reilly, Michael Óg McGarrigle and Brian Mullin among their key performers.

McLaughlin feels the transformation from contenders to champions was driven largely by new voices in the management setup.

“Declan Bonner and Paul Brennan coming in was a big factor. Declan brought confidence and belief. He was a fresh voice with tremendous pedigree.

“Barry O’Hagan has continued that work. The team is very structured, very organised and extremely well conditioned.”

He dismisses suggestions that the age profile of several Erne Gaels players is a concern.

“You need a balance of youth and experience. Players are much better conditioned now than they were years ago and many can play well into their 30s.”

Despite Erne Gaels being viewed by many as favourites, McLaughlin expects another fierce battle.

“That probably suits Derrygonnelly. Barry O’Hagan and his management team will know exactly what kind of challenge is coming.

“The Harps have a new generation breaking through. Ronan McGovern was outstanding in the quarter-final, while Rian McGovern, Gareth McGovern, the McGullions and Gary McKenna bring huge quality.”

As for the outcome?

“It’s a genuine 50-50 game,” he said. “The old cliché applies. Whoever arrives with the right attitude on the day will win.”