DONEGAL’S U16 Girls take on Galway in the All-Ireland Semi-Final this Wednesday evening with their manager hoping supporters will come along to Co Sligo to get behind the girls.
The Donegal team upset the odds by beating holders Cavan in the Ulster A final back in May.
With exams now completed, the All-Ireland series of the competition finally arrives at Owenmore GAA Club in Coolooney on Wednesday with a 7.30pm throw-in.
Galway earned the Connacht Championship with a five-point win over Mayo. Munster Champions Kerry take on Leinster Champions Kildare in the other semi-final.
“We’ve kept things going throughout June with those girls sitting Junior Cert exams taking a bit of a break,” said Donegal U16 manager Greg Harkin. “We know Galway are a very very good side. They won the All-Ireland at this age group last year so we are expecting a tough game.
“But our girls aren’t phased at all; they’re really looking forward to the game. We set out to win an Ulster A title this year and we’ve achieved that but we also know there is the potential to go a good bit further.
“We’ve been concentrating on what we do best and what the girls can do; focusing on our own game. The long break between provincial deciders and the All-Ireland semi-final isn’t ideal but we believe we’ve prepared well in that time.”
Harkin is hoping clubs will bring along younger players to support his side and get behind the Ulster Champions. “The girls deserve all the support they can get,” he said.
“A good Donegal crowd in Coolooney will really really help the girls; this group play really good football so it will be entertaining. That bit of extra support could help make the difference.”
