Donegal minor ladies team manager Declan McDermott has said his players can’t wait to get going as they prepare for this weekend’s Ulster Championship opener away to Down.
The Moville man is in his first year in charge at county minor level and on Saturday he takes his team to Newry for the opening match in Ulster Tier 2.
Donegal then have home fixtures against Fermanagh and Derry later in April with the top two in this section contesting the Ulster Silver final.
The Donegal squad have been together since the beginning of November and McDermott has praised his players for the effort and commitment they have shown over the past number of months.
“From day one, we told them what we needed from them and to be fair, each and everyone of the girls has bought into this,” he said.
“They have worked hard and are now reaping the benefits of that hard work. They’re a fantastic bunch of players to work with and they have gelled so well together.
“At this stage now, we’re all looking forward to Saturday and hopefully opening with a victory in Down.”
Donegal Minor Ladies manager Declan McDermott
Two players from the squad – MacCumhaill’s pair Abigail Temple-Asokuh and Katie Dowds – have both featured regularly for Maxi Curran’s senior side this season.
The team is captained by Niamh Harkin (Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin) and vice-captain is Abbie McGranaghan (Robert Emmets).
They have played a number of challenge games in recent weeks against Tyrone, Roscommon and the ATU Donegal side while last Saturday, they performed really well only to lose by two points away to Tier 1 side Monaghan.
McDermott was keen to thank the players’ parents and families for their support over the past number of months, and also to the team’s sponsors Rite Financial Solutions and Yes Chef Catering.
Saturday’s game will be played at Saval GAA Club near Newry and throws-in at 2pm.
The Donegal squad is: Ellie Ward, Ulitah Boyle, Rhianna Mc Cready, Claire Diver, Sarah O’Donnell, Tara Geoghegan (all Dungloe), Mia Bennett (Ardara), Tara Rose Mahon (Buncrana), Amy Porter (Carndonagh), Eva Gallagher (Kilcar), Meabh McAteer, Iseult Ni Mhathùna (both Gaeil Fhánada), Alisha Gallagher, Clodagh O Connor, Louise Doherty (all Letterkenny Gaels), Síle Ní Fhearraigh (Ghaoth Dobhair), Sarah McGinley (Glenswilly), Aisling O’Neill (Malin), Aoibhin Randles (St Eunan’s), Niamh Boyle (Naomh Columba), Cora Doherty (Naomh Conaill), Niamh Harkin, Rhíana Mc Colgan, Ava Walsh (all Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin), Emma Neeson (Red Hughs), Abbie McGranaghan (Robert Emmets), Abigail Temple-Asokuh, Rebecca Campbell, Katie Dowds, Emily Boyce (all MacCumhaill’s).
Management team: Declan McDermott (manager), Tony Boyle (Dungloe), Barry Dowds (MacCumhaill’s), Seanie Boyce (MacCumhaill’s), Barney Curran (Na Dúnaibh), Dermot McGranaghan (Robert Emmets), Gabrielle Gallagher (St Mary’s, Convoy) and Sharon Neeson (Red Hughs).
