BY MATTHEW WILSON
ABBEY Vocational School manager Pauric O’Donnell is looking forward to this Friday’s MacRory Cup quarter-final when they meet St Mary’s Magherafelt in Convoy.
The Abbey Vocational School have enjoyed a great run to date in the competition, winning all three of their group outings before a convincing victory over Cathair Doire in the play-offs.
Team manager Pauric O’Donnell expressed that they’re pleased with how things have played out to date but stated that the serious business commences now.
“We’re delighted, we’re exactly where we wanted to be. We wanted to still be in the competition after Christmas and we’re there now.
“The competition really kicks off from this week on, this is when most of the teams aim to be at their best.”
The Donegal Town school reached the MacRory Cup decider in their maiden year in the competition last term and a lot of these players are still around this season.
Nine out of the 15 players that started last year’s final have taken to the field for the school this term, with the experience amongst the group helping them to date.
“Yeah it is. You like a bit of continuity and I suppose even in this year’s panel, we’ve a lot of younger lads this year. We’ve a big panel and that’s the whole idea, that we’ll have that continuity going into next year as well too.
“The bit of experience of playing at that level too makes a difference so hopefully the boys will enjoy it now on Friday.”
The school side is made up of players from three local clubs- St Naul’s, Naomh Brid and Four Masters.
A lot of the side will have taken to the field together for the successful Four Masters side’s over the last number of years while there’s also a crossover between the three clubs in other sports which leaves the players very familiar with each other which benefits the team
“Yeah it does help, the familiarity is there. Most of our boys play soccer for local clubs and that so there’s a crossover between all three clubs through soccer and stuff. Even with basketball in the school and stuff so all of that helps as well.”
The Abbey Vocational School are month on since their play-off win over Cathair Doire in Owenbeg so they’ll be eager to take to the field again this Friday.
With the Christmas break away from school proving to be a busy time for the students as well as the school being off due to the weather on Monday and Tuesday, their preparations have been hindered slightly but O’Donnell expressed that they’re content with where they’re at.
“It’s been not too bad. Christmas is a busy time for young lads, a lot of them have part-time jobs so they were out and about. A lot of them had busy Christmas’ for different reasons.
“We’ve been a wee bit disrupted this week with the snow days and that so that’s not ideal preparation but we’re happy enough.”
Last year’s MacRory Cup finalists will meet Derry outfit St Mary’s Magherafelt in the last eight this Friday at the Donegal GAA Centre in Convoy.
The Oak Leaf County school won the competition back in 2022 and have enjoyed runs to the semi-final and the quarter-final in the previous two years.
They’ll provide the Donegal outfit with a stern test but the Abbey Vocational School boss discussed that it’s a game that himself and his side are looking forward to.
“We’re feeling good, we’re looking forward to the game. We’re looking forward to going out and putting our best foot forward in the quarter-final.
“It’s a big test. St Mary’s have good pedigree in the competition over the last few years so we know that we’ve a big challenge ahead of us but we’re looking forward to it.”
O’Donnell’s charges faced a trip to Derry to face Cathair Doire in the play-off round four weeks ago however, they now have a home quarter-final to look forward to this Friday.
The Naomh Columba clubman stated that the side are eagerly awaiting the contest on home soil and with it being on after school hours, he’s hopeful of getting a good support over to the Convoy venue for the encounter.
“We’re looking forward to going to Convoy on Friday. It’s on at a good time too, hopefully we’ll get a bit of support over there after school. Some of the staff and students might be able to get over and support us.”
“It’s nice for them as well to be involved because everyone is keen for the team to do well so it’s a nice opportunity for them to get over and support the team which is great.”
