Ó Baoill says Donegal's new faces are 'not looking to hide in the big moments'

Daire Ó Baoill says Donegal’s newbies have positively infused the panel as they make their first steps into 2026.

Ó Baoill was named man of the match on Wednesday night as Donegal came from four down early in the second half to overcome Derry on a 1-18 to 1-16 scoreline in the Dr McKenna Cup semi-final and set up a final spot against Monaghan.

His goal four minutes into the second half was part of a personal haul of 1-2 at Celtic Park, which brought cheer to those who travelled over the border to form part of the near 3,000 crowd.

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The Gaoth Dobhair clubman was thankful for the contribution of the new faces on the Donegal panel, who are aiming to make a claim for places going forward, having made their mark in Cargin against Antrim on Sunday in Donegal’s 1-15 to 0-7 victory.

“At this time of year, you’re not looking for excellence, you’re just looking for minutes in the legs and getting it into as many men as you can,” Ó Baoill said afterwards. “Getting those minutes and experience into a lot of boys is what is crucial, and for those younger boys to come through on the right side of a tough battle will help when they are stepping into Division 1.”

Four Masters trio Conor McCahill, Kevin Muldoon and Turlough Carr made good impacts and Eoin McGeehin from St Eunan’s, who netted a goal on Sunday, found himself in good positions. Naomh Conaill’s Shea Malone was the pick of the bunch against Antrim with four points.

Ó Baoill added: “We’re glad to get the win and get another game before the league starts. They bring a lot of energy and as we saw against Antrim last week, they bring a lot of rawness too. Even towards the end, they are fearless in the way that they take their scores.

"They are not looking to hide in the big moments. I think it was two or three of the subs who got the last couple of scores there and that’s great to see. They are bringing that from training into the game now, so another game in the McKenna Cup will do them wonders.

“I think we just had to knuckle down in our attack. I think we left a few behind us and we knew they going in at half-time. I know myself I dropped one short and a few of us snatched at a few shots. You just have to remain cool in those scenarios and back yourself and put the ball dead.

“That’s crucial in the new game with the kick-outs, and when you put two or three scores together, you build that momentum and that kind of pins the other team back.”