Donegal’s senior ladies go in search of a first-ever All-Ireland SFC final place this Saturday as they face Cork in the semi-final.
The Ulster champions come up against Cork at Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon (throw-in 2.45pm) with a berth in September’s final up for grabs.
Reigning champions Dublin face Galway in the second semi-final at 4.30pm, also at Dr Hyde Park.
For Donegal, managed by Maxi Curran and Damian Devaney, these are unchartered waters.
Last year, the All-Ireland bid was derailed by Mayo in a quarter-final, but this year the new management and squad have reached the county’s first ever senior semi.
The Ulster Championship was retained with minimal fuss after a League campaign that saw Donegal miss out on a semi-final berth in bizarre scoring circumstances.
Donegal edged Armagh in their quarter-final thanks to late scores from Eilish Ward (2) and Niamh Hegarty – and ace forward Geraldine McLaughlin says their confidence is with foundation.
“We know how good we are,” she said.
“Since winning the Ulster final, we’ve had three tough games. That’s great to bring us into the All-Ireland semi-final.”
McLaughlin’s partner in crime in the Donegal attack is Glenfin star Yvonne Bonner, who was the LGFA Player of the Month for June.
Bonner has been in scintillating form throughout the summer.
Donegal are captained by another Glenfin clubwoman, Karen Guthrie, and the local theme is coursing through the veins of the squad.
Guthrie had been struggling with an injury, but hopes are high that the powerful midfielder will be able to take her sentry in the engine room in Roscommon.
Cork go into the game on the back of hammering Westmeath 8-18 to 1-6 in their quarter-fine.
Cork – the 11-times All-Ireland champions – have scored 23 goals in five Championship outings so far this year.
“Donegal are very good,” the Cork manager, Ephie Fitzgerald, cautioned.
“When you look at their forward line, Geraldine McLaughlin, Yvonne Bonner, the Hegarty girls. They are a powerful unit.
“It will be a good football game and we are looking forward to it. People are saying we haven’t been tested but that’s testament to the girls and the work they are putting in.”
Eimear Scally hit 2-3 in the quarter-final, Ciara O’Sullivan bagged 2-1 and Saoirse Noonan helped herself to 1-5.
