By Aoife Doherty

AS the All-Ireland final approaches, the excitement can clearly be felt around Letterkenny.

The Donegal News took to the streets on Tuesday to discover what you had to say ahead of the big game.

With bunting and flags everywhere, you could feel the atmosphere building.

Conversations could be heard about the scramble for tickets and what the result of the game could be.

Michael O’Toole, Letterkenny.

Michael O’Toole spoke about his “big love for the game”. Michael said he would love to go to the game if he was lucky enough to get a ticket, but will support the team from home if not.

When asked about the difference between this year and the previous finals, Michael spoke of young people and how there is a “total new generation getting involved” this year.

Michael said “the game will be close” but added that Donegal have a good enough panel to get the job done.

Paul Doherty, Termon.

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Termon club man, Paul Doherty is one of the lucky few who has managed to secure a ticket for Croke Park. He plans to meet his two sons for breakfast before the match.

Paul, who works in St Eunan’s College Letterkenny, says there was “a big buzz about the college” in 2014 due to the final being on during the school year. However, he says “there’s a bigger buzz about the town this year”. Paul mentioned the large connection between the team and St Eunan’s College. Staff members such as “Michael Langan and Caolan Ward” bring huge enthusiasm to the school.

Paul fondly reminisced on his time coaching Donegal corner back Peadar Mogan for a Buncrana Cup U15 side. He said that Mogan “had it up here” when speaking about his excellent mentality. He was even chosen as captain of that team. Paul said he knew even back then that if Mogan kept working hard he could be a very successful player.

Marty Grieve.

Marty Grieve, is very confident in the Donegal team and claims “they will hammer Kerry”.

He isn’t planning on attending the game but might watch the first half at home.

Craig Lynch with his children, Sophie and Jamie.

The Lynch family strolled down the town proudly displaying a Donegal flag and plenty of smiles.

Dad, Craig, will unfortunately be working on Sunday but young Sophie and Jamie are hopeful they might get their hands on some tickets.

Sophie is involved in Glenswilly GAA at U8 level. She and her brother Jamie are full of anticipation
ahead of their first ever All-Ireland final.

“My favourite player is Michael Murphy,”said Sophie happily.

Michaela McMonagle, Glendowan.

Michaela McMonagle, another Glenswilly supporter, she says she “hopes to get a ticket” and if not she will support the team from home and go out with a few friends to celebrate.

She recalled the 2012 and 2014 finals when she was just a primary school pupil.

She remembers seeing the team bus return to Donegal after their defeat in 2014.

“Frank McGlynn was my teacher at school so we were up to support him.”

Michaela believes that the team will be successful.

“They have had a few hard matches and hopefully that will stand to them now,” she
said.