Declan McDermott aiming to lead Donegal minors to All-Ireland glory 

Declan McDermott leads Donegal in the county’s latest pursuit of All-Ireland glory in this weekend’s All-Ireland Ladies MFC C final.

Waterford are Donegal’s opponents in Saturday’s showdown in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath (thrown-in 2.30 pm).

McDermott, who is in his first year in the banisteoir’s bib, has assembled an impressive squad and he's hopeful they can clear this last hurdle – the one that separates them and an All-Ireland title.

“The girls have all played their part in the run through Ulster and against Leitrim, last time out. But overall we have a strong team and squad including Abigail Temple Asokuh, Katie Dowds and Aoibheann Randles, all members of the Donegal senior squad”.

Donegal were far too strong for Leitrim, in the semi-final and ran out 26 points winners. But Waterford will present a much stiffer challenge.

“Leitrim were weak and while we won well we did not play well. We just did what we had to do. But Waterford will be tougher opponents and go into the final on the back of a 3-14 to 0-12 win over Westmeath.

“We’ve had a look at some of their games and they are a strong side and I expect them to be physical and they have a number of seniors in the team.

“But we have been focusing more on our own game and sharpening up on a number of areas that need sharpening up after the Leitrim game.

“We are not overly concerned about their physicality because our girls have worked hard on S&C this year and they are in good shape.”

The Donegal squad is: Ellie Ward, Ulitah Boyle, Rhianna Mc Cready, Claire Diver, Sarah O’Donnell, Tara Geoghegan (all Dungloe),  Mia Bennett (Ardara), Tara Rose Mahon (Buncrana), Amy Porter (Carndonagh), Eva Gallagher (Kilcar), Meabh McAteer, Iseult Ni Mhathùna (both Gaeil Fhánada), Alisha Gallagher, Clodagh O Connor, Louise Doherty (all Letterkenny Gaels),    Síle Ní Fhearraigh (Ghaoth Dobhair), Sarah McGinley (Glenswilly), Aisling O’Neill (Malin), Aoibhin Randles (St Eunan’s), Niamh Boyle (Naomh Columba), Cora Doherty (Naomh Conaill), Niamh Harkin, Rhíana Mc Colgan, Ava Walsh (all Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin), Emma Neeson (Red Hughs), Abbie McGranaghan (Robert Emmets), Abigail Temple-Asokuh, Rebecca Campbell, Katie Dowds, Emily Boyce (all MacCumhaill’s).

Management team:  Declan McDermott (manager), Tony Boyle (Dungloe), Barry Dowds (MacCumhaill's), Seanie Boyce (MacCumhaills), Barney Curran (Na Dunaibh), Dermot McGranaghan (Robert Emmets), Gabrielle Gallagher (St Mary's, Convoy) and Sharon Neeson (Red Hughs).