Emerging Four Masters starting to now match up to SFC rivals in physical stakes

Barry Dunnion had to have been pleased with how his emerging Four Masters side held their own in a difficult backyard last Sunday in Dungloe.

Danny Gallagher’s side has established themselves as one of the most organsied and well-conditioned sides in the county and their form to date in the SFC suggests that last term’s final appearance was no flash in the pan.

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Masters’ potential has been well documented as they look to progress a cluster of underage proteges on at senior level.

With so much talent at Tír Conaill Park right now, there is no doubt that the Donegal Town outfit will eventually become a major force at this level in the not-too-distant future.

But what had to have been really pleasing last weekend was how well they matched up to Dungloe in the physical stakes.

They are going to have to build on that again next time out - in the preliminary round quarter-final - as they take on Glenswilly on Sunday in Letterkenny.

Indeed, it took a dying seconds Shaun McGee two-pointer to earn Dungloe a dramatic and last-gasp draw at the weekend in Rosses Park.

And while he may have been a little disappointed that his young team did not hang on for the win, Dunnion was very happy with his team's performance and the grit they showed on the road.

“We were very happy with the performance and the way we took the game to Dungloe. I thought once we settled, we played very well and the young lads acquitted themselves very well against an experienced Dungloe side.

“Dungloe are a very good team. They are physically very strong and we have been watching them over the last couple of years. They are probably a few years ahead of us in their development so there are a few reasons to be pleased.

“To come down here and play them on their own patch and to come away with a draw in a game we could have won, it is very encouraging and our lads will take a lot from the game.

“It will be a boost in confidence for our lads to know they matched Dungloe right through the game”.