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Gaoth Dobhair preparing for Ulster Final

Mervyn O’Donnell says his Gaoth Dobhair team are preparing to play the biggest game in their club’s history when they take Scotstown in the Ulster Senior Club Championship Final.

Just five Donegal clubs have reached this stage before and only St Joseph’s got their hands on an official title.

The Maghergallon men have won the Donegal SFC 15 times, and while they won the Ulster Under 21 Tournament earlier this year, they have never tasted senior provincial glory.

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O’Donnell’s men have been in superb form this year and have already got the better of Cargin and Crossmaglen Rangers to reach the decider.

Now they are getting ready to face Scotstown in the Ulster Final, and are hopeful that they can pick up the Seamus McFerran Cup.

“It has to be the biggest game we have ever played,” said O’Donnell.

“It’s not something that you think might come about at some stage. It really is the stuff of dreams.

“We have had some great teams down through the years, but I suppose after going 12 years without winning a championship, this just didn’t seem possible.

“But it’s brilliant to be preparing for an Ulster Final, and it’s definitely the biggest game we have ever played in. We just hope we can bring the cup back to Gaoth Dobhair.”

Kieran Gillespie will miss out again this week as he is sidelined with a long-term cruciate injury.

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However apart from him, O’Donnell has a full hand to pick from, and all the players are enjoying the buzz ahead of the big game.

“We are all good to go. Our physio has been twiddling her thumbs the last few nights, nobody wants to be seen on the treatment table at this stage.

“It’s been a long year and it has been physically and mentally demanding.

“The lads that were Under 21 were playing back in January and February so they have had no break at all. They’ve been going round the clock. Even Premiership footballers get a couple of months off.

“But listen we’re loving it at the minute and everything is going well.

“That will turn some day again, but we’re enjoying the buzz when it’s there.”

FOR AN EXTENSIVE PREVIEW OF THE BIG GAME, DON’T MISS TODAY’S DONEGAL NEWS

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