'A very exciting time' as Donegal gears up for All-Ireland final
The side managed by Jim McGuinness were on top form against the Royal County to post the highest winning margin at the semi-final stage since Cork hammered Mayo 5-15 to 0-10 in 1993
A 3-26 to 0-15 victory over Meath means Donegal is on a high with an appearance in the All-Ireland SFC final against Kerry to look forward to later this month.
The side managed by Jim McGuinness were on top form against the Royal County to post the highest winning margin at the semi-final stage since Cork hammered Mayo 5-15 to 0-10 in 1993.
Kerry were 1-23 to 0-17 victors over Kerry in the first of the semi-final ties, at Croke Park on Saturday evening.
“It’s a very exciting time,” Donegal GAA Cathaoirleach Mary Coughlan said on Tuesday night, as manager Jim McGuinness and players Ryan McHugh, Peadar Mogan, Patrick McBrearty and Daire Ó Baoill attended the final’s press launch.
Kerry are appearing in their 63rd All-Ireland final, having won Sam Maguire a record-breaking 38 times, as well as losing 24 times. The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 27.
Donegal are appearing in their fourth final, having beaten Dublin in 1992 on an 0-18 to 0-14 scoreline and then Mayo 2-11 to 0-13 in 2012. Kerry defeated Donegal in the 2014 final 2-9 to 0-12.
“It really did give people a huge lift and that's what everybody's talking about of course,” Ms Coughlan added. “Everyone is talking about tickets as well but all of that being said, this has
“We can't lose the run of ourselves and we're here now listening to what Jim had to say, in regards to the preparation that has to be done. They are still a huge amount of work to be done by the team and it’s also important that they're given the space.
“They needed the time to enjoy the moment on Sunday but they hardly had time to do that. It’s great to show the support that they have and they are lifted by a spirit of the support they have. We’re all there to wish them well. They’re very grounded and Jim wants to keep that. There’s a huge battle ahead but we’re up for it.”