Donegal Town gearing up for one last big push in Brian McCormick Cup

Donegal Town, who face Castlefin Celtic in Sunday's Brian McCormick Cup semi-final, may already be in wind-down mode.

But Donegal Town boss Marty Byrne, who has presided over another busy and successful season for the team, is gearing up for one last big push for silverware.

"It has been a long season and a successful season, but we are now ready for a break to recharge the batteries for next season,” Byrne told Donegal Live this week.

“It really has been a long season. We started back training in the middle of last July, and we are ready for a break. 

“But we have no complaints. We’ve enjoyed a good and successful season. We finished up in second place in the Temple Domestic Appliances Division One, just one point behind Glenea United. 

“We’ve been promoted and we are looking forward to playing in the Brian McCormick Sports Cup next season."

After wins over Dunkineely Celtic (9-0), Cappry Rovers (4-0), and St. Catherine's (3-0), Donegal Town now find themselves in the Brian McCormick Cup last four.

“Letterkenny Rovers, the Brian McCormick Premier Division champions, are the overwhelming favourites to win the cup. 

“It would still be nice to get to the final and give our lads a taste of what it’s going to be like next season in the Premier Division."

Before Byrne and Donegal Town can harbour any notion of a place in the final, they first have to overcome a strong Castlefin Celtic challenge.

Castlefin, who also played last season in the TDA Division One League and finished in a very respectable fifth place, have made it through to the last four on the back of impressive wins over Lifford Celtic (6-0) and 3-2 victories over both Lagan Harps and Kildrum Tigers.

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Donegal Town and Castlefin Celtic met twice in the league, with each team earning one win each.

“Castlefin are a good side; they had a good campaign and had a strong finish to the league. They will also be anxious to make it to the final.”

Byrne, with one eye on Sunday’s semi-final and also on next season, has freshened up the squad for the weekend’s game.

“I’ve promoted U-17 players Fintan Jones and Niko and Ryan Mahon to the squad for the game. They’ve had good seasons playing with the Saturday League team, and I feel they are ready to make the step up. They will see action on Sunday.

"There are a number of big GAA games on Sunday, and a number of lads still have to commit. But when it comes down to it, I expect we will have everybody available for the game."