BY RYAN FERRY

SHANE O’Donnell will fulfil a childhood dream when he takes to the field for Donegal in Sunday’s All-Ireland Final with Kerry.

O’Donnell is one of the youngest members of the team but has quickly become a key player.

He has delivered a series of brilliant displays and has been integral to Donegal’s progress.

It will be a particularly special day for the O’Donnell family as Shane’s older brother Niall is also part of the panel.

Another sibling Conor also represented the county and they are all loyal St Eunan’s clubmen.

Shane was asked when they were kicking the ball in the back garden if he ever thought he would play in an All-Ireland Final.

“It maybe crossed my mind once or twice!

“No this is the kind of stuff you dream about.

“I don’t know if anyone thinks they are going to make it.

“It’s just an unbelievable feeling to be there and the whole team is buzzing.”

O’Donnell is a consistent performer but adds that he needs to be to keep his place in the team.

When he looks at the substitutes bench on matchday there is a lot of quality.

“The boys are kind of taking lumps out of each other at training trying to get a jersey.

“It’s hard for boys when they are missing out but it’s pushing everyone in training and it has taken us to that next level.

“Everyone wants to play but you just have to trust Jim and the management team when it comes to picking the team.”

O’Donnell has respect for the challenge that Kerry will present.

They are a formidable side that have already defeated Ulster opposition in Cavan, Tyrone, and Armagh, and they have an array of quality attackers to call upon.

“It’s going to be tough.

“They looked sharp against Tyrone.

“They are obviously very dangerous going forward.

“We will just sit down as a group and look at what they do, and try and prepare as best as we can.”

O’Donnell has just completed a year working at Deele College and is enjoying the downtime.

He won’t be doing anything too strenuous at home in the lead up to the final but will detach himself from the final when not within the group.

“I will try my best for as long as I can.

“When you’re sitting about the house, sometimes it’s all you can think about.

“I’ll probably try and get a few distractions on board and then just make sure the focus is there at training and meetings.”