Lights, cameras, action - and a win for Donegal ladies

Maxi Curran described himself as ‘very happy’ with Donegal ladies’ Division 1A-opening win on Saturday night.

A 0-10 to 0-7 win over Galway began the season in a winning fashion.

“When it's a four-team group like it is, a win can be massive just as much as a loss can be detrimental,” Curran, whose team faces away trips to Westmeath and Mayo, said.

“The margins are very right. We're now in the position that if we did manage to get over the line in Westmeath next week, we'd probably be looking at a League semi-final. That would be a massive comfort at this stage of matters.

“We're very happy. We don't have a pre-season as such – you're relying on a challenge game here or there to see where you are at. You don't really know until you get going proper in a competitive setting.

Watch: Geraldine McLaughlin praises young guns after Donegal beat Galway

The All-Star forward posted seven points in the Division 1A opener

“We know the quality we do have up front with the two girls (Geraldine McLaughlin and Karen Guthrie). You'll always get scores with that quality and experience. All in all, we're very pleased.”

Donegal were 0-6 to 0-2 in front at half-time and would’ve been out of sight only for Geraldine McLaughlin - who top scored with seven points - seeing a penalty saved with the last action of the opening period.

“We didn't really know what to expect from Galway either,” McLaughlin said.

“They have had their own bother the past few weeks with the managerial change. The one thing they do have is a lot of talented players.

“It's scary to think what they will have when their Killkerrin-Clonberne players come back into the mix. We'd a few new faces in there, new girls in new positions on the team. You never know how that will work out. They were up against a very high calibre of opponent there tonight. So that bit was very pleasing.”

Saturday was a novel night of sorts with the TG4 cameras in town for a live game involving Donegal’s ladies at Sean MacCumhaill Park.

Curran said: “It would change the dynamic for us in terms of our approach and training for this period. And listen, tonight, it was a big enough occasion for some of those young girls.

“It's the first time I recall a game under lights in Ballybofey for them with live TV into the bargain. All those things are significant.

“Any day you beat Galway is a good day. They are a top four team, a brilliant outfit so there is plenty to be pleased with. We have room for improvement as we go but at this stage the most important thing was getting points on the board.”