EAMONN Collum says Gaoth Dobhair are carrying a lot of hurt from last year and that has helped drive them to this season’s county final.

The Magheragallon men were frustrated when they lost a tight semi-final to St Eunan’s in 2024.

It was a long winter but they have come back strongly and have been the form team in the championship.

“We have a lot of hurt from last year. We lost by one point to ‘Eunan’s and they went on to win it then.

“I think that hurt carried over and we got the ball rolling early in the year, and thankfully we’re getting the rewards now.”

Gaoth Dobhair have a super record in O’Donnell Park in recent years and Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhríde’s goal just before half-time was vital in the success.

“It was a tough one,” said Collum, who is a third class teacher at Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin in Letterkenny.

“We know the threat that St Michael’s have and they have been putting up big scores all year.

“Thankfully we got over the line.

“Domhnall’s goal was a huge score and it lifted us to be honest.

“We needed it. St Michael’s showed the threat they have from two-pointers.

“Domhnall stepped up and got us a goal and it was a big thing for us to go in level.

“It’s great to be back in another final.”

Gaoth Dobhair have a strong panel and 2012 All-Ireland winning panellist Peter McGee and Donegal Under 20 stars Jordi Gribben and Cathal Ó Gallchoir didn’t see game time on Saturday.

They will be pushing for involvement in the final as will the five subs that were introduced.

“That’s the depth of the panel we have.

“When we were playing good stuff in 2018 – we always had depth in the panel.

“It’s a good thing to have.

“We will knuckle down in training now. It’s going to be a big two weeks.

“Hopefully we will come out on the winning side this year.”