McShea’s Say: Donegal will take league final shot at Armagh seriously

Leaving Newry less than a year ago, after Donegal's dismal performance in defeat to Down in the Ulster SFC, I did not expect to see us back in Croke Park within a year.

There was a real buzz in Ballybofey on Saturday evening for the visit of Meath and while the first 20 minutes of that encounter will not be remembered for too long, after finding their feet, this was a mature and accomplished performance by the home side. 

We played too much lateral football in that first quarter, giving Meath time to retreat in numbers.

And the amount of turnovers won by the visiting defence could and would cause Donegal many problems in the weeks ahead as the competition will inevitably get more intense in the white heat of championship football. 

A worrying feature of our football in this campaign was our sluggish efforts in the first half of a number of our games. 

And while we were very positive after 70 minutes of football in winning our division, such a low-key start against Armagh or Derry would be very costly. 

Against Meath, Donegal were imperious at the back, always backing each other up, and providing support, back up and outlets for ball release. 

Ciaran Moore again defended superbly and he tested the opposition defence with timely runs forward, while Mark Curran is becoming more confident and assured every minute he plays. 

Caolan McGonagle, playing in the centre of the park, gave another outstanding performance while Ryan McHugh and Peadar Mogan once again made a significant contribution to this win. 

All Donegal followers will be more than a little anxious about the injuries to Ryan and his club mate, Paddy McBrearty, who both retired injured in Ballybofey. 

Ciaran Thompson is having his best ever year in the county jersey, while his ability to kick points from distance is a tonic for both his teammates and all Donegal supporters. 

Jamie Brennan had his best game for some time, he took his goal very well and his overall contribution will be a real boost to his confidence. 

Hugh McFadden won some quality ball from the Meath kickouts, his fitness is improving with game time and he brings real presence to the engine room.                                                     

League final 

Listening to football punditry and some so-called expert analysis would have you believe that some counties do not want to win a league title. 

That is absolute nonsense. Donegal and Armagh will take no prisoners on Sunday. Armagh will seek to use their power, strength and physique to impose themselves in the game and on their opponents. 

But Donegal will have their homework done, and the team is in top-class physical condition and are also a big physical team. 

Both defences will seek to prevent and create in equal measure but I believe that Croke Park will allow the Donegal half-back line of McHugh who I hope is fit, McGonagle and Mogan to provide enough quality ball for the Donegal attack to deliver a winning total. 

I also hope that Oisin Gallen is deployed close to the Armagh goal where he has the ability to inflict real damage on the Orchard County’s defence. 

I believe Donegal will win on Sunday, where a positive start and their superior football ability should see them prevail.                                                                                                                                        

Cairde Dhún na nGall

There was an excellent attendance in Jackson’s Hotel on Saturday for the launch of Cairde Dhún na nGall.

Grace Boyle, Sinead Breen, Cieran Kelly, William Doogan, Donal Barrett, Stephen Shevlin, Michael McKenna, Martin McHugh, Edward Boyle, Lorena McGrory and Frankie Doherty comprise the committee. 

And they are charged with ensuring that the finances required to allow Donegal to compete  at the top level in intercounty Gaelic Games is in place while continuing to support the Training in Convoy. 

Cieran Kelly is the driving force behind what is an excellent initiative and with our Training Centre again up and running, the structures are in place to see Donegal once again compete at all levels going forward. 

This is a gilt-edged opportunity for those in both the corporate and private sector to become involved in a positive way to play a role ‘in making Donegal great again’, a much-used phrase from across the pond.