Donegal League set for semi-final clash as they aim to return to Oscar Traynor final

Donegal League manager John Francis Doogan is hoping his side can finally bridge the gap and reach the final of the Oscar Traynor Cup when they face the Waterford District League side this Sunday in the semi-final in Athlone. 

Doogan is all too aware that his side is in a very privileged position as they attempt to capture their first Oscar Traynor Cup since 1983. 

“It’s just an incredible honour to be at this stage of the tournament. I know Brian Dorrian had a team that got to the semi-final about 10 years ago, they were a fantastic team but just couldn’t get over the line and make the final,” said the Donegal League manager. 

“We haven’t been in the final since the early 90s and we haven’t won it since 1983 so there’s a lot of history there, but all we can do is focus on our own game this weekend and hope it all goes right for us.” 

It’s been a fascinating ride for the Donegal League side this season as they produced another impressive performance two weeks ago when they beat the Leinster Senior League at their headquarters in Ballyare, bouncing back after losing a 2-0 lead to win 4-2 in a very competitive and entertaining game. 

And while the home side were deserving winners on the day, Doogan believes they didn’t hit the levels they are able to reach in terms of performance. 

“We weren’t up to scratch as much as we could’ve been in the last game in Ballyare,” said the Donegal League boss. “The pitch that day was poor, and it didn’t suit us or how we wanted to play. We kept losing our footing that day on what was a really dry pitch.  

“We didn’t play as well as we believed we could have against Leinster, but when you look back and see that you put four goals past any team of that calibre, you have to be happy with yourself. 

“I think the scoreline flattered the opposition in the end, 4-2 wasn’t really a reflection on how much we controlled the game in the second half. We probably could’ve put seven past them in the end if we finished our chances. So not only are we happy to be in the position we’re in, but it also shows the quality and standard we have across the board.” 

Donegal’s veterans rose to the occasion that day by rolling back the years with some superb performances with Doogan holding special praise for his captain Matthew Crossan. 

“I think some of the lads were excellent on the day. Matthew Crossan was man of the match in my view, I think during the latter periods of the game when boys started to get tired and certain things weren’t working out for us, he just pulled everything together.” 

But with that match firmly locked and sealed, the focus now for Doogan’s side is to find a way of overcoming a dominant Waterford side and place their name in the decider as they hope to end the year with some silverware and bridge a gap of 41 years.  

“We know that these boys are a top side, they have a few lads that were on the Munster inter-provincial side that won in Sligo last weekend. They comfortably won their section down in Munster and put up some big scorers. They put five goals past Kerry who were being touted as one of the better teams, so we know we have a big ask,” Doogan said. 

“They have a great footballing tradition down there and I suppose just from talking to people, they’re meant to be well organised, they’re fast, they have great pace and they’re fit. I saw the photo of the players and they’re strong men, so they won’t be bullied by us or intimidated by us anyway. 

“But we won’t worry too much about them. We have a style of play that we’re going to stick to. I believe if you start to worry about the opposition, then you’re going to change the way you play and set up.  

“We’re just going to go into this match in the exact same way as we approached all the other games so far and we’ll see how we get on.” 

In terms of preparation, Doogan cites a clean bit of health for the weekend but notes that he will be missing goalkeeper Blake Forkan, with former Donegal and Finn Harps player Mark Anthony McGinley coming in as his replacement. 

“Blake Forkan has a holiday booked and had it arranged for some time now, so there’s nothing we could’ve done there, but to be honest, I think it’s a bit of a joke that the match is played on Easter weekend down the country. I think the FAI really slipped up there, it’s not acceptable really. 

“Some lads probably thought they would’ve had Easter off but unfortunately, it’s not to be. Mark Anthony McGinley has been out with an injury and missed the first few games so he’ll just slot back in for Blake this weekend.”