BY MATTHEW WILSON
FORMER Donegal star Eamon McGee believes that the availability of MacCumhaill Park is a massive boost for Donegal ahead of their Round 2A encounter against Cork next Saturday afternoon.
The draw for Round 2A and 2B of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship took place on RTÉ Radio 1 on Tuesday morning.
Having made the trip to Killarney to face Kerry in Round 1 of the competition, Donegal were this time handed a home draw and they’ll face another Munster opponent in the form of the Rebels.
There was speculation in the lead-up to the draw as to where the contest would take place should Donegal’s name be pulled out of the bowl first.
However, it has now be confirmed that MacCumhaill Park will re-open its gates and host the championship encounter next weekend.
The Ballybofey venue has been closed since last year following a resurfacing of the pitch, with Father Tierney Park in Ballyshannon and O’Donnell Park in Letterkenny hosting matches during its unavailability.
Donegal have a strong championship record at MacCumhaill Park, losing just two matches there since 2010, both against Tyrone.
Speaking to the Donegal News, 2012 All-Ireland winner McGee sees it as a real boost to Donegal that MacCumhaill Park is playable as the county chases a quarter-final spot.
“It’s massive. That tradition that we have in MacCumhaill Park and that connection that Donegal fans and Donegal players have with it.
“I know that St Eunan’s put in a massive effort in O’Donnell Park but for me it’s never felt like a home for Donegal GAA. I just think having it back in Ballybofey is massive.
“Our record there is decent. We were beaten there by Tyrone last year unfortunately but it’s still decent when you take it over the grand scheme of things. Over the last 16 years, we have a decent record in Ballybofey and I think it’s good that it’s there.”