Setanta unawed by Kilkenny champs Thomastown as they chase All-Ireland final spot 

Setanta simply don’t possess any kind of inferiority complex.

And even though Kilkenny kingpins Thomastown stand in their way this Sunday in Newry, the Cross men firmly believe they can win through to an All-Ireland IHC final. 

Kevin Campbell along with joint player/manager with Niall Cleary, have worked in perfect tandem this term as both the Donegal title and a historic first-ever provincial crown at Intermediate grade were achieved.    

Going outside the province isn’t exactly a step into the unknown, they reached the All-Ireland JHC last eight in 2022; but this is a significant step up. 

12 months ago, Kilburn Gaels dashed Setanta hopes in the cruelest of fashions in a contest that Campbell admits haunts them to this day. 

0-17 to 1-11 in front going into added time, Setanta somehow shipped two late, late maximums as the rug was unceremoniously pulled on their All-Ireland ambitions.   

Campbell - who has brilliantly transitioned from outfield to back between the sticks in recent times - says sitting slumped in the losing dressingroom that afternoon in Carrickmore is the worst feeling he’s experienced in sport. 

“One of the reasons I got involved last year was that I genuinely felt there was an opportunity for Setanta to get to Croke Park. So for a variety of reasons, we sat heartbroken in that changing room after. 

“We had the game won but we threw it away. For some of the older lads, maybe you did think that was the end of the road. But we talked about regrouping and the way we’ve responded to that, I  couldn’t be any prouder of the lads”.

The ‘good luck’ signs are up and Killygordon is completely decked out in green and black. Under those same crested placards is the club’s founding year, 1979. 

It’s a short history but the Campbell name, with Kevin’s late father Eamon at its fulcrum, has been synonymous with it, from the very outset. 

Setanta’s surroundings are modest but what they’ve managed to achieve is quite staggering. 

“Even weighing it all up now - it’s a brilliant achievement. We quietly felt we could give Ulster a rattle. It’s given the club and our supporters a huge lift. And they’ve lifted us as well in return. 

“We’re not about that long, you’re right. But there was a time when Burt had a real stranglehold on things as well so even with county titles, we don’t ever take that for granted. 

“I still remember my late father and Danny Cullen Snr, god rest them, pulling together lads just to be able to field teams. But even at that, they are still some of the best memories. Burt were going for 16 in a row at the time (2007), and we just got over the line.

“So there are loads of wee but significant sort of thresholds that have all been as equally significant”.   

Inside Donegal, they’ve slowly transitioned into what’s now a real juggernaut. They’d some stealth at Intermediate level in Ulster.

And even though they went into all three outings there as underdogs, that cover is now well and truly blown. 

But up against the Leinster champions, from Kilkenny of all hurling outposts, the scales and indeed the odds are certainly stacked against the Donegal side. 

Pressed on whether or not he’s had a look at the bookies odds, Campbell says: “Aye, 16-1 I think we’re being quoted at. It sort of highlights the scale of the task in front of us. 

“But it also highlights just how far we’ve come. We’re a small wee area, we’ve a really small panel compared to the other sides we’ve come up against this season. But we’re a really proud group of people. 

“The weekend, it’s a huge occasion and we’re going to embrace that and see just where it takes us. They have steamrolled everyone they’ve come across. They’re moving up to senior grade in Killkenny in 2024 so they’re a serious outfit”.