Donegal League boss Doogan set for Oscar Traynor battle against Inishowen

Donegal League’s Oscar Traynor team manager John Francis Doogan feels his side are well prepared to take on Inishowen’s selected side in the opening leg of the competition despite having little time as a team together. 

In the lead-up to their anticipated clash, Doogan shed some light on the challenges and preparations faced by his side. 

"We were very late getting organised even in terms of appointing the manager," acknowledged Doogan, revealing a delay in managerial appointments that added complexity to the team's preparations.  

Even the uncertainty surrounding the Ulster section's composition further hampered their progress as they awaited confirmation from Cavan/Monaghan and their scheduling. 

"There was a delay knowing the makeup of our Ulster section, so we were waiting on word back from Cavan/Monaghan, and because of that, we couldn’t start any matches until we knew who we had," explained Doogan. 

Compounding the challenges was the tight timeline leading into the competition. "Then we were running into Christmas, so it was so hectic from the start," said Doogan. 

"It’s very hard this time of year because players have loads of commitments, then you have lads training with their clubs, and you don’t really want to impact their progress too much. So, we agreed to stage the competition after Christmas," noted Doogan. 

"Luckily, we got two friendlies to practice . . . ideally, we would’ve wanted more time together, but with the schedule and the Christmas season, it was hard." 

Acknowledging the circumstances surrounding the clash with Inishowen, Doogan expressed his sentiments on the issue that both Donegal sides have to face each other early doors.  

"It’s unfortunate that there’s only us and Inishowen in this section and that we have to play each other over two legs," he said.

"Looking at their squad and our squad, we’d both fancy our chances in this competition if we didn’t have to meet each other so early." 

However, Doogan remained optimistic about his squad, praising the talent and experience of the players at his disposal.  

"The players that are here are unreal. They’re so talented, they’re fit, they work hard with their clubs. They’re just all experienced players." 

"You’re only facilitating a team like this, there’s no stress involved because we all trust these boys to do the business. 

“Most have played senior football and League of Ireland underage; we just hope now we get the result on the day." 

Donegal League Squad: Mark Anthony McGinley (Letterkenny Rovers), Blake Forkan (Letterkenny Rovers), Mark McConigley  (Fanad United), Ryan Lonergan (Letterkenny Rovers), Paul Boyle (Keadue Rovers), James Doherty (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Matt Crossan (Kildrum Tigers), Matthew Smith (Keadue Rovers), Brendan McCafferty (Keadue Rovers), Kevin O Donnell (Rathmullan Celtic), Adrian Delap (Letterkenny Rovers), Zach Gorman (Letterkenny Rovers), Chris Flanagan (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Joel Gorman (Letterkenny Rovers), Dan O Donnell (Bonagee Utd), Michael Funston (Bonagee Utd), Shane McGinty (Kildrum Tigers), Shane McNamee (Swilly Rovers), Nathan Plumb (Letterkenny Rovers), Darren McElwaine (Fanad United), Mark Forker (Keadue Rovers), Peter McGee (Keadue Rovers), Lee McMonagle (Letterkenny Rovers), Oisin McMenamin (Rathmullan Celtic), Ryan Cunningham (St Catherine's), Eddie O Reilly (Fanad United).

Inishowen League Squad: Johnathan Noone, Paul Doherty  (Illies Celtic); Taylor Clarke, Adam Curran, Calvin Gallagher & Kieran McDaid (Buncrana Hearts); Peter Doherty, Lee McLaughlin, Lee McColgan, Corey McBride & Luke Rudden (Cockhill Celtic); John G McLaughlin, Terence Doherty, Christy McLaughlin (Glengad United); James Henry (Greencastle FC);  Brendan McLaughlin (Culdaff FC); Thomas McMonagle (Aileach FC); Oisin Hession, Jake Harkin (Clonmany Shamrocks).