Oscar Traynor semi-final up for grabs as Inishowen host Donegal

There is a bit more on the line when the Donegal Junior League and Inishowen League sides meet in the second leg of the Oscar Traynor Cup this weekend, as an All-Ireland semi-final spot is up for grabs.

Donegal lead by a goal going to Maginn Park this Saturday (kick-off 1pm), but will make the trip to the peninsula against a threatening Inishowen side who will feel they could have done better in the game in Ballyare that ended 3-2 in favour of Eamonn Sheridan’s home side.

The hosts also would have been a bit disappointed with that scoreline at full time, given they led by three at the interval after Shane McNamee opened the scoring, while they hit two just before the break thanks to Simon McGlynn and Jonny Robb.

But Inishowen fought back in the second half and hit the net through the impressive Jay Bradley and captain Peter Doherty to leave just a goal in it heading back to Maginn Park this Saturday.

“Inishowen are very strong, and although we got a 3-2 win, it could have went either way to be honest,” Sheridan told the Donegal Democrat.

“At half-time we were in a state of shock because we got the three goals and Inishowen were unlucky not to score a few.

“We did expect them to fire the kitchen sink at us in the second half, which they did and we did break a few times, and we were unlucky not to score, their goalkeeper pulled off a great save from Shane McGinty, and Paddy Carr had a couple of half chances.

“There wasn’t a lot in it, and we were probably lucky to get the win.

“Ideally, you want to win at home, and we would have been happy to even come away with a draw before the game. But when you get the win, which we were fortunate enough to, then you’ll take it every day of the week.

“But I believe there is a lot more in our boys, the conditions played their part and Inishowen maybe coped better with it, but I feel there is more in us and if we can turn up we will hopefully be okay.”

It’s a second season in charge of this team for former Finn Harps striker and ex-Rathmullan Celtic boss Sheridan.

Michael McHugh and Kyle Moloney are helping out once again this year, while Paul Friel has come in to replace Shane Bradley.

And while there are some familiar names from last year’s squad, the likes of Shane O’Gara, Keith Cowan, Seimi Friel, Stephen Black, Lee McMonagle and BJ Banda all started in the penalty shootout win over Inishowen last year and aren’t in the squad this year.

“We enjoyed it last year, and we felt we left it behind us a bit so we wanted to give it another go.

“We didn’t do any in-house games, and the four of us said we’d pick just from the Premier Division because there are loads of quality players in it, and anyone we did ask were more than happy to come in, which is a plus.

“We knew there would be enough top players in the division to make a good team.

“There are a good few boys not there, maybe ten from last year, but the boys who have come in this year are very eager, which is great.

“The likes of Shane McNamee did well, and a couple of the Donegal Town lads like Ronan McHugh and Ultan O’Grady have been very eager, which is good.

“We might not have got enough games together, but it can be very hard to when they’re playing for their clubs on a Sunday, and you’re trying to get another game for the Tuesday, that’s when they can pick up knocks, so it’s very hard to sort that and it’s not ideal.”

A bit more is on the line compared to previous iterations of the competition, with not only Ulster glory up for grabs, but a spot in the semi-final for the winners.

A new format gives one less round to play for whoever wins the All-Donegal clash, and the winners would be just two matches from All-Ireland glory.

Sheridan will be without two of the goal scorers from the first leg this weekend in Maginn Park, with Shane McNamee suffering an injury that day, while Jonny Robb will be absent as he gets married on Saturday.

“It didn’t matter what day the game was, Jonny was always going to be missing.

“He’s been fantastic since he came in last year, and he’ll be a loss, but it’s up to others to step up when they get the opportunity.

“That’s why we have a squad of 22 there, so there are plenty of boys chomping at the bit to get in.

“We’d take a draw all day long this weekend. I can’t see there being much in it this weekend, they’re a quality team, as are we. I don’t think we showed our best hand the last day. I think there is more in us, and if we can get it out of us this week then I don’t expect there to be much in it.

“It’s a massive incentive for both teams, and I do believe there is a massive chance for whoever goes through. It’s two quality teams throughout the squad, and it’s the next step from the League of Ireland, which a lot of players came from in both camps.

“This year’s challenge could be over by Saturday, or we could be into an All-Ireland semi-final, so there’s a big incentive.”