Mickey McCann says it’s 'mission accomplished' as Donegal secure promotion

It was a case of ‘mission accomplished’ for Donegal and their manager Mickey McCann after Sunday’s 2-16 to 1-16 Allianz Division 2B NHL victory over London in Letterkenny. 

It was Donegal’s third victory in the league and along with a draw against Tyrone, it was good enough for them to finish in second place behind table toppers Derry and just ahead of third-placed Tyrone. With promotion also in the bag, Donegal can now look forward to the last four in confident mood. 

“It was what we were looking for - a top three spot and chance to go up a division,” said a remarkably calm Donegal boss after the final whistle. 

“We have that secured now and we are also through to the league semi-final.

“We have Tyrone coming here next weekend  and I know it is close to the championship but you cannot beat games.” 

Defeated Division 2B finalists last season, Donegal will face Derry in their third semi-finals in three years. 

“We have been in the top three for the last three years and were beaten in the final last season by Meath”.

This season’s top-three finish is a great accomplishment for a squad due to long-term injuries and the unavailability of a number of experienced players. 

“I have great belief in the young lads and I did say that at the start of the season. 

“We made a couple of big finds. Oisin Grant has had a great season so far catching and fielding balls and he has added a lot to us. 

“He brings what we are missing in Ronan McDermott, in terms of aggression and ability to score goals.

“He has replaced Ronan and we are missing Declan Coulter and Danny Cullen but Liam McKinney and Conor Gartland have loads of legs and are keen and have power and pace and you cannot beat that.

“They do the work behind the scenes. They do their programmes and they do their strength and conditioning and it was showing out there.

“There was nothing in that game until the legs showed and we finished strong.” 

The opening quarter hour was evenly contested and the sides were level five times, in the opening 16 minutes.

London led 0-6 to 0-5 entering the second quarter but Donegal reeled off eight points without reply to coast to a seven-point lead and they were 0-14 to 0-7 clear at half-time. 

“London always starts well and maybe they don’t have the fitness level to maintain it. 

“And we did question their discipline. They have picked up a red card in every game. 

“We kept taking them on and they picked up a number of bookings and they eventually lost a man”.

Grant and McKinney ended Donegal’s goal drought with two top-drawer finishes to send the hosts on their way. 

Oisin’s was welcome because obviously it turned the game and also we hadn’t found the net in our last three games. 

“We scored two against Wicklow, one was from the penalty spot scored by Luke White. So, in reality, we had only scored one goal from play in four games. 

“It was good to break that duck because it makes a difference. It puts daylight between you and the opposition and that is what you want and, really, today it was easy after the goals. 

“It is good to be looking forward to Division 2 hurling next season and the likes of Meath, Kerry and possibly Offaly coming to O’Donnell Park”.