Finnbarr Roarty happy to have delivered home All-Ireland outing for Donegal fans

Finnbarr Roarty says Donegal are relishing the chance to shine in front of their own support in Sunday’s All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final tangle with Louth.  

The 19-year-old Naomh Conaill lad only made his championship debut back in April against Derry but is now a permanent feature in Jim McGuinness’ defence.

He was again to the fore in last weekend’s narrow All-Ireland group stage win over Mayo in Dr Hyde Park, where he also got on the scoresheet in the first half. 

And, as the player explains, it was a result that secured Donegal a home encounter this weekend against the Wee County.

Speaking after that dramatic Mayo win, Roarty admitted that games like Sunday’s can be a steep learning curve.

“It’s some experience,” he said. “Just when you think you’re starting to find your feet, a game like that comes around. Nothing really prepares you for the intensity of Championship football.

“You have to back yourself. If you’re out there, you need to trust your ability. Every lad on the pitch has to be comfortable on the ball.”

Roarty also had huge praise for Ciarán Moore, whose injury-time point sealed the win. 

And even though the result didn’t impact Donegal’s final standing in the group, it did serve to end Mayo’s involvement in this year’s All-Ireland race.

“That shows the belief in the team,” Roarty said. “Ciarán is only 22 but he took responsibility, beat his man and took the score. It was a big moment.”

Donegal now face the possibility of three matches in the space of two weeks if they progress beyond Louth. 

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It has the potential to be a busy few weeks but Roarty certainly isn’t fazed and says the team is just focused on the immediate challenge ahead.

“You’d like the rest, but this is the situation we’re in. We just have to get on with it and keep going,” he said.

“The real positive is that we’re looking forward to a home game next weekend. That’s exciting and it’s something our supporters deserve for the way they’ve got behind us”.