BY RYAN FERRY
DONEGAL star Conor O’Donnell says this weekend’s Division 1 Final is an ‘exciting game’ for his side.
O’Donnell and his teammates will take on All-Ireland champions Kerry at Croke Park.
Donegal are pushing towards Ulster and All-Ireland Championship glory but they have had a strong league and would like to cap it off with silverware.
Carndonagh man O’Donnell, pictured right, scored four points against Kerry in last year’s All-Ireland Final and has kicked on since that.
He was this week ranked as the number three on a list of the top ten forwards in Division 1 and 2 during the league by Former Footballer of the Year, James O’Donoghue.
O’Donnell is looking forward to taking to the hallowed turf at Croke Park once more.
“It’s an exciting game for us.
“It’s always good to get the chance to play in Croke Park and there is a trophy on the line as well.
“Kerry are always going to put out a strong team and they will always be there or thereabouts.
“But we will be focusing on ourselves and getting ourselves in the best position to try and win the match.”
O’Donnell doesn’t turn 26 until late in the year and he admits he has no memories of their previous Division 1 league success in 2007.
On that occasion, Brian McIver’s Donegal got the better of Mayo by three points.
“No I can’t say I do.
“It’s been a long time.
“I do a bit of work with Brian Roper and he was playing that day and remembers it well.
“But that’s the only connection I have to it.”
Donegal are set to jet off to Portugal on a warm weather training camp next month and players will be keen to impress ahead of the Ulster Championship.
With that in mind, there will be no holding back from Donegal on Sunday when they take to the field.
“Everybody is pushing hard.
“We were missing lads against Monaghan and hopefully we can get a few bodies back.
“Sean Martin got his first start against Monaghan and I thought he did really well.
“Everyone wants to play and you have to make the most of your chance.”