Sweeney and Ardara U-21s not getting too carried away

However, Shane Sweeney says a line was quickly drawn as attention shifts to this Sunday’s visit of McCumhaills to Pearse Memorial Park.

Damian Devaney, who has looked after Ardara seniors in the past, will be in the Twin Towns’ dugout while Luke Gavigan Snr, will be right there beside him.

So MacCumahills will be well aware of the threat posed by Adrian Brennan’s team, both collectively and individually ahead of this Section A top-of-the-table clash.

Ardara U-21s boast a large chunk of senior talent and with the club currently on the lookout for a new management team at that level, these U-21 games could well act as a ‘shop window’ of sorts for potential suitors or interested parties.

There is no doubt that this group of players are a talented bunch. Ardara has played second fiddle to Naomh Conaill in most derbies at the likes of minor, U-21 and senior for quite some time.

So they would be forgiven for acting a little giddy last Sunday following their 1-16 to 1-12 win in Glenties.

However, Sweeney says that wasn’t the case as they made the short journey back over home that same afternoon.

“I can’t remember the last time we came over here, this group, and got a win. We had to work hard in the end but we dug it out, which was pleasing in its own way.

“They were fast out of the blocks - they went three up and it took us a little while to get into the game. But this is a tough place to come.

“They are a very good side and you can be sure, come the business end of this championship, they’ll be there in the mix.

“We know they were down the likes of Shea Malone today so we’re not getting carried away. It’s early days. But to get some momentum going, after the opening win over St Eunan’s, that was important.

“It sets us up nicely now for our home clash with MacCumhaills”.

He added: “MacCumhaills got the better of Naomh Conaill first day out and drew with St Eunan’s in their second game. They will have plenty of quality. It’s still all to play for in the group and it’s a very competitive section”.

Meanwhile, pressed on the relevance or impact a good or, even successful U-21 A championship campaign might have on the club’s fortunes at senior grade next term, the player said that will work itself out on its own.

“I think there probably are around ten lads in our squad that were involved in the senior championship so this is a help in terms of development towards all of that next season.

“We aren’t really thinking about that right now but hopefully there should be plenty to look forward to next season.

“Whoever comes in as manager, we’re staying in the senior championship and we’re back up to Division 1.

“So it would be good to give a good account of ourselves in this competition, go as far as we can. And, like I said, hopefully it does stand to us when 2027 eventually comes around.

“But it wouldn’t be something we’d really be thinking about or talking about. It’s just good to be playing football and winning games.

“The weather was ideal here today, not so good the week before when we hosted St Eunan’s.

“So the hope will be that we get more of the same this weekend”.