It’s time to Believe again
MOST people thought last year was just a blip for Donegal – a post-All-Ireland hangover which would soon wear off.
A new year, some new faces, a new training regime and a new back room team and Jim McGuinness is daring to take Donegal to a new 2014 glory.
And there could be no better stage than today, in Clones, against the side which de-throned Donegal as Ulster Champions a year ago.
No better stage as the county goes for a double – Declan Bonner’s young charges heading into an Ulster Minor Final (2pm).
There has been a lot of hot air in the past few days; one reporter compared Jim McGuinness to Sir Matt Busby!!! Another said Monaghan were red-hot favourites to wipe out Donegal today.
But there will only be cool heads in the Donegal camp as Jim McGuinness prepares his side for today’s encounter and another tilt at bringing the Anglo-Celt back over the bridge in Pettigo tonight.
Captain Michael Murphy says he hasn’t gotten over defeat to Monaghan last year.
“You never do, but you do learn from it,” he says ahead of today’s clash.
“It has all got to do with results, everyone looks back at last year and it was patchy, we got relegated and the doubters were out.”
Jim McGuinness’s line-up announced on Friday is unlikely to be the same at throw-in today (4pm).
Whatever side he chooses, it’s clear he has a united squad behind him which is starting to believe again.
Believe. It could be another very special day for Donegal.
And it would be so extra special if Declan Bonner’s side can overcome Armagh in the Minors….there could be two trophies going into Pettigo tonight….
DONEGAL: Paul Durcan; Eamonn McGee, Neil McGee, Ryan McHugh; Anthony Thompson, Frank McGlynn, Paddy McGrath; Martin McElhinney, Christy Toye; Rory Kavanagh, Leo McLoone, Odhran MacNiallais; Patrick McBrearty, Michael Murphy (Capt), Colm McFadden.
MONAGHAN: Rory Beggan; Ryan Wylie, Drew Wylie, Colin Walshe; Dessie Mone, Vincent Corey, Fintan Kelly; Dick Clerkin, Darren Hughes; Paudie McKenna, Stephen Gollogly, Paul Finlay; Dermot Malone, Kieran Hughes, Conor McManus (Capt)
