Although Declan Bonner’s Donegal U21s were beaten in the All-Ireland U21 semi-final, there will still be a strong Donegal interest in Saturday evening’s final between Galway and Dublin.
The final, at O’Connor Park, Tullamore sees Galway and Dublin joust for the last-ever All-Ireland U21 title before the grade changes to an under-20 competition next year.
Two players with close ties to Ramelton could prove key to proceedings.
Cillian McDaid and Sean Kelly are both expected to be included in the Galway XV and are central figures for the Tribesmen.
McDaid is the son of Garvan McDaid, a Ramelton native based in Galway. Cillian’s grandfather Eamon McDaid was a well-known Swilly Rovers player while his uncle Kieran was lined out for Galway United.
McDaid – who plays for the Monivea-Abbey club – is a talented all-rounder who has also starred for Galway in hurling and this year was Man of the Match in the Connacht final win over Sligo and the All-Ireland semi-final win over Kerry.
Kelly scored 2-1 in the Connacht final against Sligo. He is a nephew Philomena Friel, the former Principal at Scoil Mhuire, Ramelton. Kelly’s cousin, Damien Friel, plays for Swilly Rovers in the Ulster Senior League.
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