THE Donegal Under 12s will compete in the Inter League All-Ireland Cup Final on Sunday 24th May, marking a huge milestone for a team enjoying their very first competitive season in football.
Proudly representing Donegal on the national stage, the Under 12s have produced an outstanding campaign to reach the final where they will face a strong Cork side. Along the way, the team topped their group comfortably and followed that up with impressive quarter final and semi final victories against excellent opposition. Remarkably, they arrive at the final unbeaten.
Now ranked among the top two of thirty four county teams across Ireland, this achievement is nothing short of exceptional in a debut competitive year.
The entire squad and coaching team of Marcus Oliver, Mark Farren and Charlie Lynch are eagerly anticipating the final, with preparations well underway and full focus on giving everything one last time on Sunday against an equally talented Cork outfit.
The final will take place at 5.15pm on Sunday 24th May in Evergreen Park, Kilkenny, where all finals are being hosted. Donegal Under 12s will close out the weekend with the final game of the tournament, taking to the pitch at 5.15pm after a long journey for one final push.
Coach Marcus Oliver spoke with immense pride about the group:
“I am beyond proud of this group of players. I have had the pleasure of coaching this team for the past two years. They are a very talented bunch, but more than that, their work rate is top class and their bond is something I did not expect to be as strong as it is.
“It is not often that full squads gel this well. You often see smaller groups within teams, but that is not the case here. They are all incredibly close, supportive of one another, get on brilliantly and always win as a team. To me, that is winning in itself and everything else is a bonus now.
“Lifelong memories are being made with this team and win or lose on the day, one thing is certain.
“They have a very bright future ahead and can be extremely proud of such a massive achievement in year one.”
The Donegal Under 12s would also like to wish the very best of luck to the Donegal Under 15 boys, led by Marshall Laird, in their Bowl Final, along with Brid McGinty and her Under 13 and Under 15 girls teams who also contest their Bowl Finals.
Donegal is well and truly making its mark this season, representing with pride and strength across all age groups. We wish everyone involved the very best of luck and hope there is plenty of positive news coming out of Kilkenny next weekend.