Declan McDermott backing Donegal girls to progress up the ladder to senior grade

Donegal boss Declan McDermott believes his All-Ireland winning minors have the potential to go on and make a real dent at senior level. 

Donegal edged out Waterford on Saturday in the Al-Ireland C decider on a scoreline of 1-14 to 1-9 with Abbie McGranaghan’s late breakaway goal proving decisive. 

Against a stiff breeze at the Kinnegad venue, the Ulster champions took a 0-7 to 0-4 lead into the changing rooms at half-time. 

At that stage, you wondered if that would be enough but the boss explained that his charges are a “running team” and he expected that directness to show after the restart. 

“We were happy enough at that stage,” he explained. “It was such a long journey down, we were a little lethargic and it probably did take us a while to get going. At half time the girls knew they needed a big half. 

“But I have to say everyone stepped up - including the girls that came off the bench. I couldn’t be more pleased with them”.

To be fair to McDermott he was spot on. Donegal would jump seven points clear at one stage and approaching the last five minutes still held a 0-14 to 0-8 advantage. 

But a penalty concession and subsequent turnover on the kickout helped Waterford wipe four of that lead. 

With their upper hand now whittled down to two it took the spectacular intervention of Robert Emmets’ McGranaghan to finally settle matters in added time.  

“I think sometimes when you’re playing with a breeze like that you maybe try to force it. We brought our running game after the turnover and credit to the girls, they really worked their way to victory. It’s reward for their hard work. 

“We were under a bit of pressure back to two points. But we didn’t panic. Fair play to Abbie McGranaghan. She came off the bench and she was the one that fired in that decisive goal. Again, it showed it’s a squad game. 

“We have something like 18 girls in that squad that’ll be back next year. That was the goal, to win Ulster and get back up to the top tier of football. 

“And I think the future is bright for this group. A lot of them will go onto senior football. If they stick together they’ll go on to achieve even bigger and better things”.   

Waterford arrived at the venue half an hour late and the throw-in time was pushed back to 3pm. McDermott admits the trek down to Westmeath was a long one, especially when you consider the large Inishowen contingent in it. 

But with the winners trophy under his arm, he admitted his previous grievances about all of that had now completely evaporated. 

“We were a little disappointed but it’s hard for the LGFA to get pitches. We just had to deal with it. We had originally asked for 3pm and with the delay that’s what we actually got. 

“Girls were up at 5.30 and 6am this morning. But to get over the line, makes it all worth it”.