Donegal Interim manager Aidan O’Rourke was thrilled to see his side defeat Monaghan and secure a home draw in the Preliminary quarter-finals next week.
If Donegal had been beaten, they would have been away next week and could possibly have had a nightmare draw like Kerry in Killarney.
However, they won by two points on Saturday with a super display and they will now have a home game against a third seed in the last 12.
“We knew coming in here today that if you win here tonight, it could open a few doors,” said O’Rourke after the match.
“The big prize is the home game in Ballybofey next week. We knew today was a game we could go after to try and achieve that.
“We knew that if you did get over the line, you’re ultimately where you were going to be anyway but the home factor makes a difference.
“It’s what you make of it yourself really. It doesn’t automatically kick points or anything, but I’m sure whoever is coming won’t necessarily savour it.
“But ultimately it’s a patch of green grass and there’s a game of football to be played on it.”
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