McCann lauds a 'most complete performance' in win over Wicklow

Candid Donegal manager Mickey McCann admitted he had a few sleepless nights after the agony of Aughrim when two late goals gave Wicklow a 3-14 to 2-15 win over his charges.

But those blues were swiftly banished after a most complete performance from Donegal, who were never in any danger.

“This was our best display in a long time, but if there wasn’t a fire in our belly today, there would be something wrong, especially after that last game.

“I had a few sleepless nights because you always wonder what you could have done differently.

“Looking back on the video of Aughrim, the Wicklow goals came from goalmouth scrambles, stuff you can’t really prepare for.

“We had our defence set up today, similar to down there, and we got the match-ups right, and Oisin Kelly, Ciaran Bradley and Steven McBride were very solid.

“And Seanie Germaine, who scored three goals the last day, was taken off, which is a tribute to Oisin Kelly.

“Ciaran Bradley had a great display on Padraig Doyle, too.”

So what did McCann say to his charges during the week?

“After the anger left, we showed the video of the last match, and we were on top in all quarters except puck outs.

“Our movement was better today, and we got our hands on a lot of ball, and while Wicklow hit a lot of wides, we had them under pressure.

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“We had a plan today to keep our half-back line well back, and then it was one of the most complete performances we have ever had.”

Next week is a huge task against Kerry.

“Kerry have turned a corner, and they are up in Division 1B with the likes of Waterford next year.

“I do feel that Kerry are too good for the Christy Ring Cup.

“But we will go down there, and we will give it everything, and we will see what happens.”

But Donegal will face another bogey team in Derry away in their third game.

And that is a game that Donegal will be targeting after another ‘robbery’ in extra time in Celtic Park.

“We are glad to have got over Wicklow, and we will have them if it comes to a head-to-head.

“This is the first time that we have beaten Wicklow in five matches, so it is a huge psychological boost for us.”

McCann added that Derry is a game they will try to get over.

“Maintaining status in the Christy Ring Cup is very important to us.

“We are now in Division Two hurling,  and this is a division that we could be relegated from, or we could push on from.

“The challenge is there for the boys, and we have a very strong panel.

“It has been a good year, and we will have the likes of Carlow coming here next year.

“It is a really good standard of hurling, and we want to maintain that standard of hurling.”