By Ryan Ferry
The Donegal players were happy to sign autographs and take selfies with supporters on Sunday after the win over Monaghan.
It was only when they reached the tunnel area and headed to the dressing room that the word came through that it would be a league final with Kerry.
Conor O’Donnell lit it up against the Kingdom in the All-Ireland Final last year, posting four points from play, and they will be wary of his threat next weekend.
Donegal will go after only a second league title and it will take a big performance to win.
There was a strange feeling at times to Sunday’s game with Monaghan.
For two Ulster counties, it was very open and would be much different if they meet down the line.
“It was kind of a funny game,” said O’Donnell afterwards.
“There were good enough conditions for it today and that probably lends itself to better football.
“We got some good scores but I think we would feel defensively particularly in the first half wasn’t good enough.”
Donegal had a number of good performers on the day but Jason McGee and Shea Malone were particularly impressive.
They scored 2-8 between them and were on it from the very first whistle.
“Those two lads did very well.
“Jason was brilliant. I don’t know how many kick-outs he caught.
“He scored some great points too and he did a lot for us.
“It’s great to have him fit and playing football.
“Shea has adapted very well. It’s not easy coming from soccer.
“From where he has come from in the space of a year to be playing senior inter-county football is unreal and he’s doing well.”