Conor McShane looking forward to Masters All-Ireland final in Breffni Park

The Donegal GAA Masters team head to Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan this Saturday for an All-Ireland Plate  final against old rivals London (throw-in 1 pm).

It will be their fourth meeting in a couple of years and at the moment London defeated Donegal last year in the semi-final but the sides drew this year in London.

The captain of the Donegal side, Conor McShane, is in his third year with the Masters and while originally a Kilcar player, he has thrown in his lot now with Four Masters as he is living in the Donegal Town area.

Indeed, he has not just thrown in his lot, he is heavily involved at all levels of the Four Masters club, playing reserve and helping out on the line with the seniors.

The Donegal Masters had a bad start to their campaign, losing to Tyrone and Derry, but they have been fairly consistent since then.

“We had our two tough games first and Derry went on to win the Shield final and Tyrone are in the Cup final.  We had about about a dozen new faces this year and it took a while to get used to the style of play,” said McShane,

“We played London over there and it was a tight game. This will be the fourth time we have met them in recent years. They beat us last year in the semi-final but we are looking forward to this game and it will be another battle,” said McShane, who added that there was a different feel to games against London because they have a couple of Donegal players including his former teammates  David Cannon and  Michael Molloy as well as Gary Kane, formerly of St Naul’s but with a Kilcar connection as well.

“We are getting to know them quite well, both on and off the field,” he said.

The London team that played Donegal in Ruislip Picture Brendan Vaughan

It has been a busy year for McShane, who also got the call to play for Ireland in the International Rules game at Masters level.

“Yeah, I was trying to take it a bit easier this year but I was lucky to get the call, which was unexpected. It was nice at the start of the year and no different to playing for any team, you make new friends and we would still be in contact.

“But that is what the GAA and Masters GAA is all about, community and a social aspect, bringing communities together. You are always making connections,” said McShane.

As for Saturday’s final, McShane is hoping to put his best foot forward. “You prepare well and try to enjoy it as much as you can. But once you cross the white line, that competitive streak is in everybody.”

McShane is happy with the way things have gone, with a new management at Donegal Masters level this year.

“It always freshens things up. Francie (Martin), Eddie (Crawford) and John Joe (O’Shea) brought a lot of craic to the table, different voices, different styles. In fairness the three of them have great experience. John Joe was involved back in the late ‘70s and ‘80 and would be talking about games back then.”

As for availability for the final, Conor was  hopeful that the full panel would be available to play some part. “There are a number of players involved with their clubs and there are championship games down in Donegal on Saturday evening and Sunday. It would be great to have them all but we realise that some players have a club commitment. There is no pressure and there has to be balance,” said McShane.

One of the players in that category is Shaun Maguire of Cloughaneely, who despite being 42, is a vital member of his side and they have a relegation game against Aodh Ruadh on Sunday, but McShane knows there is a dilemma for some players.

“Every player is still at different stages of their career and it is their choice. We would love to get everybody out to play some part, if that is possible.”

Donegal captain Conor McShane in his Kilcar jersey