Seeing Gaoth Dobhair’s crest alongside that of 11-time Ulster champions Crossmaglen has put an extra inch in Kevin Cassidy’s step for the last fortnight.
Donegal champions Gaoth Dobhair take on the Armagh kingpins in Sunday’s Ulster Club SFC semi-final in Omagh.
A place in the Ulster final is at stage and Cassidy leaves no doubt about what it means.
“For my crest to come shoulder to shoulder with theirs is massive,” Cassidy says.
“Crossmaglen had to start somewhere. Crossmaglen, in my opinion, are the best club side ever.
“They steamroll anyone who comes in their way. It’s a massive challenge for us. I was never one for winter football, but it’s great to be playing in November.”
Gaoth Dobhair ended a 12-year wait to Dr Maguire when they defeated Naomh Conaill in the Donegal final last month.
With Cargin out of the way, Cross’ are next on the agenda.
Cassidy says: “It’s a dream to get to this stage. This year, it just sort of happened. That’s how football goes sometimes – it just falls into place. It’s a massive challenge, but something we’re looking forward to it.
“When things are going the right way and everyone is digging in, it’s that feeling of honesty. It’s a case of I’ll do everything for you and you’ll do likewise.
“I think this is the most enjoyable season I’ve ever had. I’m loving going to training on a Tuesday and Thursday nights.”
Cassidy returned last year after having announced his retirement in 2016.
Now reborn as a full-forward, the former Donegal ace – a two-time All-Star winner – says the landscape is much changes since the days when Gaoth Dobhair were last kings and Ulster was very much bonus territory.
He says: “Once the whistle went in the county final, that was the season over.
“We came away from the game with Cross in 2006 wondering what they were doing and asking how they could be so focussed. It’s taken us 12 years to get back here.”
Listen to the full interview below …
