Christopher Sweeney says Gaoth Dobhair’s youngsters have injected new life into the seasoned campaigners at Magheragallon – and Saturday’s All-Ireland club semi-final will hold no fears.
Gaoth Dobhair face Corofin in Carrick-on-Shannon (1pm), with the carrot of a St Patrick’s Day final at Croke Park dangling.
“If someone had told us we’d be looking forward to an All-Ireland semi-final, we’d have laughed,” experienced goalkeeper Sweeney told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.
“It’s a big game for a lot of us boys, especially the older boys, especially the likes of myself, Chris McFadden and Dan McBride.
“We’re 60 minutes away from playing Croke Park. It’s the biggest game of our lives.”
Sweeney was on the Gaoth Dobhair panel for the 2006 Donegal SFC win, but there followed a barren 12 years, until they finally reclaimed the Dr Maguire in October.
Gaoth Dobhair have been propelled by their rising aces, who have seamlessly transitioned into the senior ranks.
Sweeney said: “This is more their team. What they have achieved all the way up and the maturity of them, you’d swear they were around for years. They have brought a breath of fresh air to the whole team.
“They’re just not happy with what we have. They want to push on and win everything in front of them.”
Listen to the full interview below …
