‘It’s only February and a long way to summer time’ - Conor O’Donnell

Carndonagh’s Conor O’Donnell, now a really established member of the Donegal senior team, was talking like a veteran when summing up Donegal’s win over Kerry in the National League in Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon on Sunday.

In the end Donegal had four points to spare over The Kingdom, the first win over Kerry at the venue since 1990.

But after defeat to Kerry in last year’s All-Ireland final, a win was always going to be important for Donegal in this fixture.

“Aye, definitely good to win. Kerry are obviously always up there. They're always the team to beat, whatever time of the year it is.

“Whether it's February or come championship time, they're going to be a tough ask. It was a good test for us today,” said O’Donnell.

The corner-forward agreed that it was a good win but he also felt there was a need to be realistic.

“It's only February.  We have to take one game at a time. It's a long way to the summer time, but we're happy just to get a game to test ourselves.

“As I said, Kerry are a very good team. There's lads there  for us who are new to it. For them to get a test out against one of the top teams is all we wanted out of it really.”

O’Donnell agreed that Donegal’s purple patch either side of half-time was a turning point in the game and he also felt the breeze was more significant than maybe people felt.

“I think the breeze was a factor. Down on the pitch, we had to work it. Kerry sat in a wee bit and were patient in defence and we did kind of work it out.

“We got on top of their kick-out for a while then in the second quarter as well and that helped us,” said O’Donnell, who agreed Dáire Ó Baoill’s goal was important. “Dáire was in space and Shea (Malone) got the ball first and probably didn’t see him. But lucky enough Shane (O’Donnell) got it to him and he finished it well.

“Dáire’s always scoring, he’s always getting goals. He showed great composure to take it around the ‘keeper and finish it.”

Michael Langan added a couple of two pointers at the start of the second half to give Donegal a nine point cushion and O’Donnell is happy that Donegal are now a threat from two pointers.

“We are a threat from two pointers. In the modern game you nearly have to get the two pointers but I suppose it depends on the game too and the state of the game. They are important.”

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While the win was important O’Donnell agreed that they also have plenty to work on for the next couple of weeks before they meet Mayo.

“Yeah, definitely. I think the second half especially and probably the end of the second half, that probably wasn’t good enough. We’ll have to take a look at why that was and get to work now with the week off before the Mayo game.

“They’re a good side. They have a new management team and they look to be playing well.

“Look, that was a good test today. That’s where you want to be. You’re in Division One; you’re going to be playing a good team,” said O’Donnell, who is really enjoying his football now that he is injury free.

“I had a lot of niggles and stuff. But thankfully the last year and a half or so, I’ve been fit and it makes all the difference.”