Conor McShane 'thrilled' to be back in an All-Ireland final with Donegal Masters

Donegal are through to the Masters All-Ireland final for a date with the Stephen O’Neill and Marty McGrath-inspired Tyrone in a fortnight after a hard fought win over a decimated but dogged Sligo by 1-13 to 1-11 in Kinlough.

And they have exceeded expectations according to centre back Conor McShane.

The teak-tough Kilcar man also paid tribute to a fighting Sligo side.

“The fact that we had more players to come on and keep it fresh was a good help, and Paddy McNulty and Leon Thompson made a big difference for us when they did come on.

“They got those vital few scores to push us ahead and once we got them, we never looked like we were going to lose.”

But gritty Sligo came back and McShane explained that it was: “down to the last kick of the game and if that last shot from John Marren had gone under the bar, we would have had a draw and been heading for extra time again.

“And Sligo gave us a good old battle again.

“Sligo were missing some regulars and that is the way Masters football is as there is huge commitment to club football as well and it is hard to do both.

“But I felt we were lucky today to get over the line and Sligo have a lot of quality and you have to give them every credit.”

Donegal now face the might of reigning champions Tyrone in a fortnight.

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“This is the third time we will be playing them.

“We played them in a challenge early on in the year over in Scotland in the League and they are obviously the team to beat.

“They have won the All-Ireland for the past four years and they have a lot of quality and they have already beaten Kerry and Dublin twice.

“It shows you their dominance.

“But we are glad as we were just aiming for a Shield final so we are thrilled to be in the All-Ireland Senior final.”