GAOTH Dobhair and Naomh Conaill are both determined to make the most of their opportunity when they clash in Sunday’s Donegal SFC Final.
The big match in MacCumhaill Park is a repeat of last year’s final which Gaoth Dobhair won on a scoreline of 0-17 to 1-7.
The Magheragallon men are looking to clinch a record 16th title on Sunday, and in doing so would become the first team since St Eunan’s in 2009 to retain the Dr Maguire Cup.
Gaoth Dobhair are the reigning Donegal and Ulster champions, and their manager Mervyn O’Donnell appreciates that his club have a special crop of players at this time, and he hopes they can produce the goods on Sunday.
“It would be huge if we could win. As a club we are in a position at the minute where the blend is right, and the balance of the team is pretty good because we have the experience of the older lads, and the energy of the young boys like Odhran McFadden-Ferry, Seaghan Ferry, and Ethan Harkin.
“This is our time as a team. We just can’t afford to slip up now.
“We would love to go back-to-back but my take on it is that it might be another ten year cycle before you even see a county final again never mind thinking about back-to-backs.”
Naomh Conaill are searching for their fourth Donegal SFC title and are looking to add to their victories in 2005, 2010, and 2015.
Martin Regan’s team are carrying hurt from losing the last two finals, and they are hoping to make it back into the winner’s enclosure.
Regan says it would be a massive win for his side if they could get the better of the Donegal and Ulster champions.
“It would be huge especially considering the opposition.
“We’re up against the Ulster champions and we’re under no illusions about the task ahead of us.
“If we were to get a result against the Ulster champions it would be absolutely massive.
“Out of all the finals, this is probably the one where we have been biggest underdogs, so it would be huge for the team if we could win.”
Sunday’s game will be shown live on TG4, with coverage starting at 3.30pm.
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF THE DONEGAL NEWS FOR FULL PREVIEW OF THE BIG MATCH
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)