Donegal Underage League chase national final spot

The Donegal Underage League 2010 squad head for Galway on Saturday for the National Inter-League Cup semi-finals.

The Jonnie McGroarty-managed Donegal face Galway in their semi-final at Eamonn Deacey Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

Earlier this month, Donegal defeated NDSL 5-0 at The Diamond Park in Ballyare in the quarter-final.

Jonah Cannon of Glen Rovers, Eany Celtic’s Ryan Quinn and Eoin Doherty from Drumbar netted three quick fire goals as Donegal got off and running.

Illistrin man Thalji Al Daher added a fourth before half-time and they added a fifth, through Glenree United’s Jerry Coyle, to book their tickets to the last four.

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The Donegal squad got together in October and topped the group during the initial phase of the competition.

“We’re going very well,” McGroarty told Donegal Live.

“We’re only together for six months and they’ve hit the ground running. This age group is very strong all over the country. 

“Donegal has plenty of good footballers. The Harps Academy have the top 18 players and we have the next group. There are eight or nine of these who would be well at home, which shows the depth of talent that we have.”

The squad is drawn from players from all corners of the Donegal Underage League. Eleven of the squad have been selected for the Regional Emerging Talent Programme.

Mayo and Cork meet in the second semi-final.

McGroarty said: “Galway are always strong and they just have the one League, whereas our county is divided into two with Donegal and Inishowen Leagues. It will be a big test. It’s a big ask, but we’re up for it.

“It’s a chance for these lads to play at the top level. That’s what it’s all about and hopefully we can get to the final now.”

McGroarty is assisted by Marty McGroarty and Donagh McMorrow and Tony Blake is the goalkeeping coach.

Donegal Underage League 2010s: Ryan McCabe (St Catherine’s), Ruben Maxwell (Eany Celtic), Ryan Quinn (Eany Celtic), Eoin Doherty (Drumbar United), Finn Devine (Convoy Arsenal), Mark Gregg (Ballybofey United), Conor O’Brien (Ballybofey United), Orran Kee (Raphoe Town), Senan Faulkner (Bonagee United), Cahir Daly (Bonagee United), Odhran McLaughlin (Bonagee United), Ryan McFadden (Swilly Rovers), Rory Gallagher (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Ronan Ward (Letterkenny Rovers), Jonah Cannon (Glen Rovers), Cilliian McBrearty (Gweedore United), Jerry Coyle (Glenree United), Thalji Al Daher (Illistrin).