Donegal chase All-Ireland Masters Shield glory against Galway

Donegal are bidding for back to back All-Ireland Masters Football Shield titles when they face Galway on Saturday afternoon, in Connolly Park, Collooney, Co Sligo. (Throw-in 3.30pm)

Donegal have played eight games on their way to the final and have won six and lost only two. “We beat Cavan, Louth, Down, Sligo and London in the league format and lost to Tyrone in the last of the league games,” says player manager Mark Cannon.
Cannon, a member of last year's team that defeated Westmeath in the All-Ireland final, has taken over as manager from Liam Breen who guided them to last year’s triumph.

“We then played Dublin in a play-off game and lost and that set up a meeting with Kildare to determine who advanced to the Shield final.”

Donegal were 1-9 to 0-7 winners over the Lilywhites. Paddy McNulty with a goal and two points top scored against Kildare while Benny Boyle hit two points and Liam McGroarty, Benny Quinn, Gerard McBrearty, Brian McLaughlin and Stephen Coyle posted one each.

Killybegs hold off the challenge of Naomh Padraig in Division Two Minor final

There was just a goal in it at the end as Killybegs were crowned Division Two Minor champions on Thursday night

“The lads are all in good shape. They train once a week, on a Wednesday night, and they train twice a week with their clubs and they all play with their clubs at the weekend. All but one of the lads are still playing club football which keeps them in good shape.”

Donegal know very little about opponents Galway other than they finished up their league campaign on eight points, two less than Donegal.

“We also know they were the first Masters squad to start training at the beginning of the year. They began in February which shows they are taking it seriously.”

The Donegal team and squad that defeated Kildare was as follows: Cathal Gallagher; Charlie Doherty, Hugh Foy, PJ Doohan; Conor McShane, Patrick Gallagher, Seamus Hegarty; Paddy McNulty, Benny Boyle; Benny Quinn, Stephen Coyle, Eunan Keaveney; Gerard McBrearty, Brian McLaughlin, Sean McDaid. Interchange players: M Cannon, L McGroarty, D Slevin, K Ryan, D McShane, G Gillen, N McGarrigle, P Gallagher, S Doherty, M Mooney, M Canning, L Breen, M Keown, P Patto.