 A very good evening and welcome along to the score on the evening before St Patrick's Day and ahead of another big weekend of sporting action, Donnie Gaul are preparing for the visit of Mayo in a crucial Allianz National Football League Division 1 encounter on Sunday. The Dunningall Ladies could also do with a good result this weekend, they meet Dublin tomorrow, we'll look ahead to both games shortly. Later in the programme we'll hear from Declan Boyle as part of our League of Ireland preview and for Cockhill Celtic, there's that FAA Intermediate Cup semi-final to look forward to, they go to Ringmahen Rangers of Cork on Sunday, Chris Ashmore has got the views from the Cockhill camp ahead of their big day. But we'll start tonight with Gaelic Games and Pally Carrs, Donnie Gaul play host to Mayo on Sunday as the Division 1 campaign enters the final couple of weeks. Former Donnie Gaul midfielder John Gilday joins the programme via Zoom, John hopefully you're there, if you want to put on your camera and perhaps unmute yourself, if hopefully you're there we'll have problems with Zoom on a Thursday night. Hello John, good evening to you, hello John, we think he's there but we just can't get linked up, hello there John, John's not there, well we'll try and perhaps move on to Finn Harps and League of Ireland matters and we could go with that first and perhaps maybe go back to John on Zoom in a couple of minutes time. But yeah we'll just switch to League of Ireland matters and we'll hear from Declan Boyle in a second or two, it's another busy weekend up ahead in the League of Ireland with the action starting this evening as Draha the United meet their neighbours on dock. For Dairy City there's a north-west derby with Slago Rovers on Friday evening while Finn Harps are at Longford Town in the first division. Earlier on I caught up with Declan Boyle to look ahead to this weekend's games and I began by suggesting that it's two very different starting elevens that we'll meet in Longford compared to the last time these sides crossed swords when they were both in the Premier Division. You're looking at different players and different squads and definitely with Finn Harps this year there's been a new look, a young youthful team that Dey Rogers has put on obviously and yeah they're working very well they are improving match by match in Longford or something similar their form hasn't been great neither but it's the three draws and one lost their date so they've done reasonably well they haven't scored many goals they're not conceding in there but every match in the first division is always going to be difficult away from home and Harps will probably find it difficult on Saturday evening in Longford. Yeah and the fact that neither side has managed to pick up a victory between them Declan that does suggest that this league is going to be difficult for both sides. Yeah that's probably outside of Galway and Waterford I mean everybody else is very similar I was saying squads and strengths and depths and home forms can be crucial you know Harps have played three home games and one away and they've lost obviously three one down to half loan so going away from home now to Longford will be difficult match for if in Harps and the young squad but you know they'll go there with a conference and a good performance last week against Wexford and they bring that conference and somewhere along the line you know they're going to get three points away from home and why not start on Saturday night against Longford. Yeah because the signs have been good haven't they the last couple of weeks they had a decent performance against Bray particularly in the second half and then you know similarly last weekend against Wexford there were there were positive signs there some good individual displays unfortunately struggling to find the net maybe. Yeah no I would agree with you I think that's probably the the area that needs addressing a wee bit maybe you know and bringing even more strength and depth and probably and maybe no wings as well you know somebody that's you know going to create something out wide like but just to be fair what you're going to get from your young youthful squad is energy you're going to get work it's going to work extremely hard for the team they're going to give you everything you possibly had you probably lack a wee bit of experience and again some of the better teams in the league but you're going to get that energy all the time and and Dave Rogers mentioned being on the foot foot all the time so you're going to get that but what youthfulness you always look at mistakes and you get a wee bit of inconsistency throughout a whole game in 90 minutes but you know so that's when we were at the start of the season we just had a look at change things around and look at the structures and giving young lads an opportunity locally and that's what he's done so you know we have to stay with it now and regards players wise and you know it's just been youthful it's been good energy it's been well supported by the club and it's really positive and one of the big talking points from last week's game against Wexford Declan when you mentioned the youth players or the younger players within the squad one of them who came off the bench Sean O'Donnell really impressive on the left side and along with another substitute De Silva both of those seem to give Harps renewed energy yeah of course and that's key you know I mean you know great to see the young lads get an opportunity you know for me down through the years that wasn't the case but it's great to see you know I get an opportunity so players can look up they see the pathway in the academy they see what's happening and there's a positive around the players so it's great when young players get the opportunity but also when they get the opportunity they hopefully must put in a good performance and take that opportunity and that's what you're looking for the young players coming through but get energy and the league now is all about you know bringing in four or five soaps throughout all games even in the senior level and in the Premier League as well you know you're looking at players coming in the games and making an impact and changing the game and a positive way for the teams and that's what you're looking for you want your soaps come on and make a big difference in the game okay well that match then is part of a busy program in the First Division Declan most of the games are taking place on on the evening of St Patrick's Day Athelone Town against Treaty Cove playing Galway United and Wexford against Kerry FC you know Kerry will have to try and bounce back after that big defeat against Galway who have already shown Declan and these opening that few weeks that they are probably the side that's going to have to be beaten if you're wanting to maybe go up as champions from the First Division yeah no I would agree when you look to the squad of players that came out in the first match this season on the strength and depth this does go strength and depth as well you know the key they've got a real experiences up there as well so they've been there before you know that's right obviously your four years without you know getting up and this year is probably their best opportunity they pushed Cork well last year and fell off near the last quarter of the season but this year they've come out and they're in a rich frame of form they've got good results already obviously they annihilated Kerry and that's wasn't great to see but I mean the big result against Waterford as well so they're going really well you know four results four positive results so and they'll be looking to push on as much as possible I see them for me as a team to stop in this first division okay well you mentioned Cork City there and that's the the perfect chance to move on to the Premier Division situation and Cork City picked up a couple of notable results as well didn't the deck and the latest one that to all draw at Slaggo Rovers probably feel they might have taken all three points in that game but I'm sure they'll be pretty happy with how things have started for them in the in the top division yeah I can't seem to be about well pleased with the players and how they responded I was up at the game obviously in the showgrounds last week and they were tuning up and pretty much cruising they were defensively very good very professional and had a really good structure about themselves they had pace as well up top and yeah that's been a good performance scored a very good second goal this first goal was a set play and Slaggo didn't defend it very well the second goal was a really good strike and yeah that's been looked at the cruising and then suddenly the game can change in one moment in the corner from Slaggo Rovers and they get that goal that they've been from that momentum swung towards Slaggo Rovers and they've still got a penalty near the end the 92nd minutes and Max Mada who's had four goals so far so far this season has stepped up and put it into the bottom right hand corner and got them out of Gilo even the two-two draw and there's probably a very soft penalty they trifle and I think if Carl Haley and his player would be happy with the penalty but yeah listen there's one of those results and they've done very well you know they've been away from home the pitch armour go over through four each on the Monday and up in talent got a big result there and then came to the show rounds on the Saturday and then got a two-two draw so two weak games two big games and they picked up two points from normal them alone but probably they're looking back and they're probably thinking there was probably six points you know they should have picked up the two games but their performance have been good you know they're very work man very organized as I say very professional and defensively very good yeah and next up for them is a game against Shelburne at Turner's Cross I would imagine be a big crowd at this one a five o'clock start on Friday evening for that one it's a similar kickoff time for Shamrock Rovers at home to St. Pat's both teams could really do with a good result from this one because they are both in the bottom three after five matches played but one of the games of the weekend no doubt about it at the Brandiwell Declan Dairy City hosting Slaggo Rovers and a full listen I would have thought Dairy City would have been hoping to make home form count this season they slipped up perhaps against Dundalk not too sure what you make of that one but again another big game this weekend yeah big game a big crowd from the Brandiwell sold out a game so that's it's great to see that and the 10s around the league have been up this year and more so than last year and which is great to see so that's tells you the teams are doing very well and they've been well supported locally and there's really community engagement and supporting the club and there's no difference in Dairy City or Slaggo Rovers as well and Dairy City are going well good squad of players they probably should have got three points from Dundalk the second half forms very good and the disappointed didn't get you know three points out of the game but they'd be looking to make amends against Slaggo Rovers but Slaggo Rovers common really good form have really good squad of players they're good strong bench as well can make a difference in the game so you just don't know how that game could go but Dairy will obviously pushing hard hard for the three points and Slaggo will probably play a bit more defensive against Dairy City and try to hit them the counter attack and they have the players that will can cause problems on the counter attacks which will be really interesting game so not sure how it's going to go obviously Dairy will be looking for three points in that one and Slaggo try to get something out of it but it could go either way yeah and never an easy one to call Declan you know the results between Dairy and Slaggo you know the home form is always a big one but never an easy result to predict no absolutely he just never know last year all and all the games I think there's only one goal between them and they met three times three four times last year so again it's gonna be similar you know obviously you find team the scores first will obviously benefit and get a bounce on that and then I just don't know but you know the quality of players that that Dairy have at their disposal the bench they can come on and change the games it's got real quality and depth this year and probably more so than they had last year and they'll be looking to use that and it might be suddenly come off the bench to make a difference in the game that could push it their way. Bowles leading the way then going into this weekend's round of fixtures Declan there's one game tonight by the way Draha playing Dundalk but that Bowles game against UCD it's a case of top against bottom and credit to Declan Devine for the start that his team has made to the new Premier Division season. Yeah very good to see Declan going up and doing so well you know and just one sure you know you're up leaving from Dairy even up to obviously Bowles and Bowles hit the ground runner I think he's got four ones one defeat so he's in 12 points yeah he's just ahead of the chasing pack and Dairy on 11 points as well so yeah that's nerd home against UCD, UCD only one picked up one point I've conceded a lot of goals so far defensively not great this year so far and Bowles will be looking to push forward and get another three points and you know I mean you couldn't ask for any more if Declan Devine has teamed up on another three points out of that game against UCD that's them in five ones out of six and that's a brilliant start for them and for Declan Devine. It sure is well it's busy time Declan the underage season up and running as well how are things going with yourself in terms of your your Slaggo Rovers team at under 19 level are you up and running yet? Yeah we are yeah we're up and running we're back training since May or late January so like all academy teams it's you don't get too much rest the same as the first team but yeah that's more up and running we had one game to date and we're actually playing in the Brandywell against Derry on Sunday afternoon so we're looking forward to that one and yeah so it's good tests the lad's going up to Brandywell and getting an opportunity to play there which is great as well. Okay Declan we wish you well with that one and thanks for joining us this evening. That's Declan Boyle there and by the way that Longford Town harp scheme on Saturday night starts at half past seven and we'll have updates here on Highland with Darren Kelly we'll be back after this break. Sport on Highland is brought to you by Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure. Beat your personal best with new trainers from Assyks, Brooks and New Balance or gear up for the gym with active wear from Under Armour and Adidas. Donegal play the first of their final two games in their Division One campaign this Sunday and a much needed win is required in Ballet Buffet in the battle to avoid the drop. Tabletoppers Mayo are the visitors to McCool Park and Ocean Kelly and Martin McHugh will have full live match commentary here on Highland from the 345 throw-in. Live coverage of Donegal in the National Football League is brought to you by Highland Motors in Irokenny with the all-new award-winning Dacia Jogger 7-seater overall winner of the 2022 AA Iron Car Awards available for immediate delivery. Is the appearance of your staff important to your business? It's the first point of contact for customers when entering your premises. At CNM and Brodery in Letter Kenny, they have a huge range of clothing covering all areas of the workplace. It's widely known that customers warm to and trust employees that present themselves well. Have your company name embroidered or printed on all your work uniforms. 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Bring your best self to work every day with exciting heavy vehicle mechanic apprenticeship opportunities with Bus Aaron and Dublin Bus. We are leading the way in sustainable public transport moving from fossil fuel to zero emissions. Join our team and help keep Ireland on the road to greener journeys. Enjoy a career that's built around you. To apply, visit careers.busairing.ie today. Yeah, the gremlins of Zoom not doing us any favors at the start of tonight's program, but hopefully we can turn our attentions now to Gillick Games and hoping John Gilday is on the line. John, a very good evening. Hopefully you're there. Hi, German. Good evening. Yes, John. Thank you for your patience. The game on Sunday then, Donegal and Mayo. John, it holds so much importance for Donegal. Perhaps when you look at the league table, less so for Mayo, but it's fair to say the buildup hasn't really been helped by the fact that Donegal football has been grabbing national media attention this week again. John, over the academy controversy. Yeah, it's just been a kind of a negative energy feeding into negative energy, which is, which is never a good thing. And when something's wrong, everything's wrong. And there's that tendency for that to happen in Donegal. You know, when we're, when we're riding the quest of the wave, everybody's on the bus and then on the flip side of that, when things are going wrong, you know, we can't seem to get out of our own way and to a certain extent, but things are going wrong. And then it's obviously exacerbated by the fact that the senior team is not going as well as we're used to. And I suppose there's a new realization there that there's been a changing of the guard, both from a player perspective and from a management perspective. And it's, I suppose it's taken a lot of people a little bit of time to, to, you know, get to grips of exactly where we're at in that regard. And obviously Sunday's game is a massive game. Mayo are flying. We're not. And traditionally, Mayo never do us any favors. So I don't anticipate that Mayo will be coming to Baba Faye on Sunday to help us out in any way, shape, or form. So it'll be a tough, tough affair for all concerned. Certainly. Well, well, Jim McGinnis is the latest to have his say on, on this controversy. John, I mean, when somebody like Jim McGinnis speaks, people sit up and listen, don't they? What's your, what's your thoughts on what he had to say? It's a difficult one, you know, because obviously, you know, unless you know the full context of all discussions and conversations, it's very hard to determine, you know, what, what really transpired. Like I know Jim is a proud Dunning Allman and would always make themselves available. And then, you know, I can't imagine in any kind of situation where anybody, you know, from a, from an underage perspective wouldn't want Jim involved in some way shape or form. And then obviously, the fallout with Carl and the coaches walking away. So there's a, there's a lot of stuff out there that's on set at the present point in time in the sense that very hard to get to the bottom of it because nobody's come out and said anything. There's a lot of things that are half said. And, and as we all know in this world that, you know, when there's, when there's a real lack of clarity, at least all sorts of speculations, which really doesn't do anybody any favors. So what I think needs to happen is there needs to be a clearing of there. There needs to be a full accountability as regards what went on, you know, and not so much to point the finger to blame anybody, but just to make sure it doesn't happen again and rectify the situation to the betterment of Dunning Allfall. Yeah, you know what, John, you're right, because even today, national pundits and commentators on various social media platforms, having their say on what Jim McGinnis had to say this weekend, I mean, it hardly helps because I wouldn't imagine they would have much more knowledge than any of the rest of us. No, and in the grand scheme of things, like, you know, I read what Jim said or was alleged to have said. And then what happens is with the Chinese whispers, every time it goes to another source, there's a bit added on or taken away and it's taken within a bit of different context. And as we all know, just like ourselves on here this evening, we have an opinion and we're having a conversation. You know, a lot of those media broadcasters, they need something to talk about, you know, nobody's talking about Gaelic really this week, everybody's concentrating and focused on the rugby and there's a pressure jump from that point of view as well from a Jave perspective. And, you know, all these podcasts are looking for their sound bank and unfortunately down through the years, what has happened is as a county, we tend to give people the opportunity to have a talk about us, have a laugh at us, you know, a bit like, you know, all there's always something going on up there, what's happened. And that had drifted away for quite some time because we were successful. But now again, that when we're facing into, you know, uncertain times with the senior squad, that just leads into uncertainties and other aspects of the Jave within the county. And then everybody piles on board and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But as I said, I think there needs to be a real sense of clarity right now from all involved to say, okay, what happened? What went on? Was there miscommunication? Did things go wrong? And as I said, I don't know enough about it, just to point the fingers or to say this happened or that happened. But I know that there's enough speculation floating around on both sides right now for a clearing of there, just to get things wrapped up and done with so we can move on and we can start looking at more positive times ahead. Okay, well, let's move on then, John. And let's look at this game on Sunday. Is this a good time to be meeting me, oh John, given the fact that they've been going so well, they're sitting on eight points top of division one, they can afford to come to Balboffay and not pick up a win, can't they? And perhaps maybe that might suit Paddy Karest on the go. Yeah, I just think it's an ideal time in one sense. And the other side of the equation that is when a team is used to winning games is on a high. Sometimes they don't know how to lose. You know, just like you can get into habit losing games, you can get into habit winning games. And this may old teams, you know, they're fighting for championship spots, they're going very well. Looks like they'll be in a league final, no matter what they do. They're playing a very exciting attacking brand of football agenda and stuff. They've on earth some good talent over the last 12 months. A mixed day in his squad and his management team, you know, seem to be putting in and doing all the right things right now. Now I know it's early in the year, you know, but, you know, they're one of the foreign teams in the country right now, if not the foreign team, I suppose from my perspective, you know, it's a lot of young players struggling to find their feet in certain instances. Things have gone against us. You know, we have two results against Galway and Irmaa, and, you know, have a little bit of luck on our side. You know, we could have maybe scraped out a result or a more positive result in the Galway game. Maybe we won that game and, you know, got a result against Irmaa and then the whole dynamic changes. So, you know, based on those two performances, particularly after the Tarong performance, where you would think we're a million miles off the pace because we were nowhere. The last two performances have been encouraging in the sense that there's been a there's been a lot of character shown when games could have run away from them, when they could have died, you know, they stuck in there and maybe we're lacking a little bit of quality at certain times, but that'll come with experience. And again, when you're losing games, you're under pressure and everything becomes a little bit harder and it's harder to make the run and it's harder to kick the ball over the bar. And I think we're suffering a bit like that right now and probably suffering from a bit of confidence and all that plays into it. But it's it's listen, we have to win two games or we have to get, you know, results of the both games here to to be in the shake up to stay in division one. And they're not going to be easy. And as I said earlier on, I don't believe that many are coming to Barbara Faye to do Donnie Goll and he favours because as we all know down through the years, there's been no love last between both counties. And that is very true, John. And there'll be a big crowd up for me over this one as well this weekend. Thankfully, Donnie Goll still have this fairly good record in McCool Park, haven't they? And remember, on their last outing, Kerry were the visitors. We went to that game more in hope than expectation. But look what happened that day. Could we see something similar this weekend? Listen, there's always that possibility. And like, I don't want to be writing anybody off. You know, if you're going on the form guide right now, you would suggest that Mayo we're going to come away with with a wind. But again, we're our backs to the wall. It'll the next two games are going to tell us a lot. As regards, you know, how we're going to perform, what are we going to get out of those games, etc. etc. I just I find it hard to look past Mayo at the present point in time. I've been very, very impressed with them overall. And again, they're coming with no pressure. So, you know, it's a toss of a coin form, you would say Mayo. But obviously, as Donnie Goll people, we'd be hoping to go to Balbuffet and get a result and he get a result against the form guide. Yeah, because this could be a big weekend, couldn't it, John? Because one of the other standard fixtures in division one is the meeting of Monaghan and Turron, two sides just sitting above Donnie Goll in the table. So at least one of those teams is going to drop points this weekend as well. Yeah. And, you know, it's supposed to testament to Ulster football right now that, you know, a lot of the what so-called big three, if you look at Derry or Turron, Monaghan and Donnie Goll would have been the big three in Ulster for the last 15 years, really, apart from, you know, when Derry made the breakthrough last year. And all three of those ties are struggling. And I think that shows that there's real change in the guard from a national league perspective, because two out of those three are going to go down. I think that's the reality. We're just hoping we're not one of them. And then also looking further ahead towards the Ulster Championship, you know, none of those three teams are going well. The so-called big three back in the day. And that, you know, opens the door again for Derry to come through who are going very well in division two. And obviously there's a lot of hope being pinned on our mat at the present point in time as well. So it's, there's a lot to play for right now. But again, it shows that there's a fall-off, maybe, in the standards within Ulster over the last couple of years compared to what we used to years ago. Okay. And before I let you go then, you mentioned Derry then, John. Super season for them so far. And they got the better of Dublin in that big game a couple of weeks ago in division two, which left them top of the table. So you would think and you would hope that they can kick on from here and gain promotion back to division one. Ah, yeah, they look like they're like a shoe in at this point in time. They're again, they're playing a good ground of football. They're really in good shape at this time of the year. They're, you know, there's a real spring in the step. Conference is an amazing thing. And that's what they have with the Buns, Rory Gallars done an amazing job in getting them to believe in themselves. And there seems to be a real togetherness in there. And again, success breeds that kind of togetherness when things are going well, everybody's pushing in the same direction. And, you know, they look a very, very strong proposition, I think almost certainly they're going to come out of division two. They're probably playing Dublin in a league final, and I suppose, you know, Dublin will have learned a lot from that game as well. And then that's going to set Derry very, very much up for a real rattle at the Ulcer Championship this year again. So yeah, the tides have definitely turned within both counties within Dunigal and Derry over the last 12, 24 months to the point where, you know, they're really on the up and they've come on a long journey because I think not so long ago, they were in division four. They went down through the ranks very rapidly and they came back up just as quick. And they're in the crest of a wave right now. Yeah. And this weekend they play Claire on Sunday, a one o'clock throw in that game, Derry, that have a home fixture. Dunigal against Mayo throws in at quarter to four. John Gilday, thanks for joining us on the programme this evening. My pleasure, Jim. Take care. John Gilday there. So good to hear from John. By the way, the action in division one gets underway on Saturday. Our map playing host to Galway at five o'clock and then at half past seven carry play host to Roscommon. We'll be back after this break. If something's free, why would you turn it down? I mean, a free haircut from a five-year-old. Oh no. Or a free sample of onion paste. Well then, how about a free tour of your neighbour's new shed? Oh, that sounds well. Okay, look, they were bad examples. But how about a free eye test and free glasses from the 69-year-old range of spec savers with your PRSI? Well, that sounds like something to smile about. Book an appointment or find out more at specsavers.ie. 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And you're welcome back to the score. A couple of minor league fixtures in Ulster taking place. Well, the first one is this evening. In fact, half past seven. So they're just underway in Owen Bay where Derry are playing Antrim. That's in the Jim McGuigan Cup, the Ulster football minor league. And then tomorrow at 12 o'clock in convoy Dunnegal, who have enjoyed a good start to their Jim McGuigan Cup campaign, they play host to Kevin. Well, just like the senior men, Dunnegal's senior ladies going to battle this weekend, knowing that relegation from division one is a very real possibility. They play host to Dublin at O'Donnell Park and Letter Kenny on Friday afternoon and joining us to look ahead to what's another big game is former Dunnegal player Maureen O'Donnell. Maureen, you're welcome along to the programme. Good afternoon, Darren. How are you getting on? I'm good, Maureen. I'm good. Maxi Kearnside could do with a victory in this one. Unfortunately, it's Dublin who stand on their way of what will be a much needed victory. Yeah, absolutely. It all goes down to tomorrow's game, really, like we're into round six of the league games now at this stage. And Dunnegal are really fighting to keep out a relegation now at this stage. With the possibility, going out to division two. And of course, Dunnegal ladies have been up in division one since 2016 and doing really, really well this year. Totally different team out there this year. So, you know, a lot of people asking the question as to what's gone wrong, maybe in the space of a year, but a huge transition in ladies football going on at the minute within the Dunnegal ladies, same as the Dunnegal men have faced there in the last year. So listen, it comes down to tomorrow's game, all right for sure. And current form against Dublin, the Dunnegal ladies do really, really well against Dublin. The girls have always performed against Dublin. As you've seen last year in the All-Ireland semi-final, or the All-Ireland quarterfinals, picked up a pick up the one against Dublin to go into the semi-final against me. So over the last number of years, Dunnegal do very well against Dublin. And it's a home game as well. So it'll definitely be that added bonus for the Dunnegal ladies tomorrow. But you know yourself, it always comes down to the game. Dublin have an awful lot to lose as well tomorrow. They're still fighting for a final spot. They're currently on nine points there, which is at the minute. So two victories for Dublin means they go on to 15 points. I've got to lose against Mayo on Sunday. Dublin are still very much in the running for a division one final spot against Kerry. Yeah. And so it's a lot to play for Dublin. A team that perhaps is in transition as well, Maureen. They're not the Dublin that we remember from years ago when they were able to beat sides, any sides that came up ahead of them. I watched them against Mayo last time out. They were very fortunate to come from behind and won that one. Yeah. Listen, they've lost an awful lot of big players as well throughout the year there from last year's team. A lot of them went into retirement. And this is what's happening. But you know, they started off not so well at the beginning of the league, but they're certainly showing their form now again. Hannah Torrell was out for one game. I chilled. There was a huge impact on them, but she's back in there. And you know, I guess she's putting over an awful lot of scores for Dublin. Carla Rose, the captain, great leader as well. And you know, they're very much still in the running. You never run Dublin out at any stage. And whatever's about Dublin and the likes of Cork and Dublin, they're able to turn over, you know, very good underage players each year and come along. They're in a bit of a transition, as you say, but they're still doing relatively well damage. You know, they're still a team to be reckoned with. In contrast, Onigali struggling to pick up any kind of results and points on the table. Maureen, last time out, they went to Cork. They were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat. Fair play to Maxi. He took the beating on the chin, didn't he? But you could tell from his interview afterwards that he was so disappointed at the manner of that loss. Yeah, listen, it was a huge blow. And, you know, we could talk about it all day. And, you know, you could do a post-mortem on the game. But ultimately it was their second away trip they had been to Kerry, previous to that, and had lost to Kerry. Kerry's having a tremendous season, you know, in division one, having come up beating Armand in the division two final last year. Kerry are just going from strengths to strength. They're in a pattern of warning. And as John says there, it's a habit. When you get into a habit of wanting, Onigali unfortunately on the other side of the thing, they're in a habit of losing now at the minute. And, you know, they just need to feel that the game against Cork, a blip in the radar, you know, I feel like they need to put it in their back pockets now and move on. Probably a huge blow to them, very disappointing. But, you know, you've got to look at the positives as well in terms of the league. I always say the league is a platform, you know, to be able to try and allow younger players to get a game time, to get that experience along with older members of the team. And, you know, I feel like Onigali have really used the league in that capacity this year. And we've seen an awful lot of young players, minors, particularly coming into the form. And these are the girls that we're going to be looking to in the next number of years to try and keep Onigali sort of at the top level and to be able to compete at the top level. So it's important to get those players out and fair play to Maxi. You know, he's doing the best one he has at the minute. And that's not to say the players that he has. They're very talented bunch of players. Like you've seen their ATU won the Lynch Cup during the week. There's about four or five of those that are in the starting ATU team that are playing. They're currently in the panel at Onigali at the minute and getting game time. So that's a huge plus. You know, and we've lost maybe, I'd say we've lost about nine players in the last year's team. You don't have one, you don't have Karen, you don't have Tanya Kennedy there to fully, Rasha McCaffery, Neve McLaughlin is injured, Blanat's out injured at the minute. That's just to name some of the players that we're missing. We're hoping that some of them will come back into the four now maybe in the next couple of weeks, which will add to the strength of Onigali team going forward. And you know, would it be a terrible thing if we were relegated to Division 2 with the current crap of players that we have? I feel it's very competitive down there when you look at teams that carry, that have come out of there and me that have come out of there and what they have done in Division 1 and what they have done in terms of all Ireland. That's what I was going to ask you Maury, because it's different, isn't it, from the men's situation because dropping down into Division 2 could have an impact on terms of where you end up in the championship and the new structure in men's football, not the same in ladies football. Perhaps relegation, you know, could be a look that as a chance to maybe, you know, have a look at things and try and sort of few things out that need sorting. Yeah, absolutely. Like the probably the biggest problem with going to Division 2 is because it is that competitive, you know, our man have been trying to get out of Division 2 now for a number of years. They unfortunately lost out to Kerry last year in the final very narrowly in Crow Park and they're still struggling to get out of Division 2 and hopefully probably advancing them to get out of Division 2 and up to Division 1 this year. A fantastic team, you know, and always compete very well. They've won the last three Ulster Championships and Donegal haven't been able to overcome them. So they're doing very, very well and they're coming from Division 2. Like as I say, Donegal came up to Division 1 in 2016. They were in Division 2 until that. They won the intermediate championship final in 2010 and Donegal really have went from strength to strength then. They competed a number of years in Division 2 once they got out of Division 2 and into Division 1. As I say, they moved from strength to strength, but that depended hugely on their team at the time. And those, the players that were up until last year, those players have probably been in the Donegal jersey for 20, 15 to 20 years. You look at he won, he won, played alongside me in the Junior All-Ireland final in 2003 and you know, we're still looking to get her back into the play this year. So those players have been hanging on for a long time now and they're due to retire and there's no guilt upon them because they've put on huge service to the Donegal jersey. But for the new players that are coming through this transition, Division 2 wouldn't be a bad thing. You know, it's still highly competitive and they get great game time and great experience out of that and maybe go from strength to strength. Yeah, well listen, Maureen, I know you're not saying we're gone just yet and hopefully they can pick up what would be a much needed first victory tomorrow against Dublin. It's a really attractive fixture, isn't it? And let her Kenny on St Patrick's Day afternoon. So a great chance to go along and see what will hopefully be a good game. You touched on Neve McLaughlin, Maureen, just there in your last week piece. Neve has been injured, unfortunately not being able to feature for Maxi Cormes side. She was linked this week with a move to Australia. Have you any news on what might be happening there? Yeah, listen, no doubt they'll be looking after her picking up the player of the year last year. A hugely talented player, Neve McLaughlin and a great leader. And I'm sure she's been watched and watched very carefully in terms of that. And it was only a matter of times that she was picked up by one of those teams. And it's great to see her maybe making that move, particularly now when Donegal aren't going that well. But at the end of the day, she'll not be leaving and she'll not be leaving her county maybe till after Championship, that's for sure. And if I know Neve, she'll never leave halfway through. But I think that's the way it works. It allows the Irish girls here time to play their football out and then make the move and come back. You look up like you all will probably be back in the fall for Meath now very shortly. So listen, it's a great thing for these players. They're getting real professional treatment out there. And it's the opportunity to go, you know, to Australia and, you know, to compete in that. It's a different game, a wee bit different to hear, but it is fantastic. It's fantastic to see her getting up there. It was only a matter of time. And, you know, we see a lot of her players now going out there to play. And Tania Kennedy was back in the fold last year for Donegal. And she was a huge asset. And, you know, she's playing a lot of her football out there in Australia as well. So, yeah, it's fantastic, but Neve probably won't. So definitely see the year out here for Donegal. And now we have her being captain and it would be great to see her back into the fold. And you talk there as well about what's ahead now. Like I'm really interested in fixture now tomorrow. Donegal, you know, if Donegal won and Mayo won, it still comes down to next weekend's game against Donegal. And Donegal would need to win against Mayo next weekend. Just happen to be drawn. It'll come down to a head to head. But if Donegal won and Mayo lose, they're on three points each. So it'll come down to next weekend as well. So the way really Donegal can wout is if Donegal lose tomorrow and Mayo won on Sunday, so it's really all eyes on the fixtures this weekend. Yeah, well, we look forward to that yourself and myself on commentary tomorrow then, Maureen. So we'll be we'll be with each other tomorrow afternoon. And for now, thanks for joining us on the program tonight. Thanks very much. Maureen O'Donnell there, that game tomorrow in O'Donnell Park. Let her Kenny throws in at two o'clock. We'll be back after this break. With active wear from Under Armour and Adidas. Treat your mom this Mother's Day at Done Stores with 20% off wine and champagne. 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That's why Energia will give you cash back for any excess energy you produce from solar panels at home with our great value micro generation tariff. Because the choices we all make today will change how we live tomorrow. Sport on Highland is brought to you by Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure. Recover from the toughest sessions with foam rollers and massage guns or find your flow with the latest yoga mats and blocks in store and online at MichaelMurphySports.ie. And you're welcome back. Cockhill Celtic are just one game away from making the FA intermediate cup final at the Aviva Stadium. This Sunday in Cork they face Ringmahan Rangers at the semifinal stage of the competition. Chris Ashmore has been getting a feel of Cockhill's preparations for this game. Coming up we'll hear from Chairman Tommy Doherty but first up it's Garvin Freel. Garvin this is a massive game for the club. If you win this one you're through to a final at the Aviva Stadium and Cockhill well fair to say you've been knocking at the door in this competition for many years it really would be great to get over that semifinal hurdle and into a final. Oh absolutely that's definitely we've been knocking at the door this last number of years and I think the quarter final is as far as we got so hopefully now we can do one better come in the weekend. It's a competition that we've always been looking to get a good run on. I don't think it's any height in the fact that we'll it's a group as a group we'll always be we'll always be kind of judged on our intermediate hopefully now on Sunday we can put the best foot forward and do ourselves justice. Well Cockhill have dominated the Ulster senior league for the past decade and I suppose for some of the players Garvin you know there's not too many chances that you get to get to a final and this could be the last so you want to make the most of it and you know give it everything on Sunday because these prizes don't come around too too often. No definitely not like as I say I've been involved in the club now since 08 or 09 and that's locking the way in to meet our footballers at the minute we might never get this chance again so that's hugely important for us as a group we just want to want to do our best they sort of save it and make the most of it now it comes Sunday as I say put our best foot forward and hopefully get ourselves in their final. Now to get to the semifinal you've certainly come up against some stern opposition so far and the results this year have been very encouraging you've overcome each hurdle put in front of you. Oh absolutely even even getting out of our own county was very difficult we we drew away the Bonnegie which we come out to know we want to know when we had two men sent off we were down to nine men so even just to get out of our own county you know it was really tough we've kind of done it the hard way we've been away from home with the one home draw which is kind of unusual for us we played lovely wonders and then we went away to Avondale which is never easy I think they've won this cup more than anybody else and we've really the tough way and we're looking forward again another away trip on Sunday. Yeah another away trip cork opposition again Ringman Rangers and you know the Munster senior league of the senior leagues it's as intense as any I was just looking at the league table there and Ringman I think they're fifth at the moment but they have a game in hand and the leaders but they've only lost once in nine league games they're going to be a very hard team to beat. They definitely have a big penalty and that's going to be a tough ask but look we know a lot about them but at the same time we're going to have confidence in ourselves we believe that we're as good as anybody on our day in the country and as over the years we've had a lot of a lot of way draws in this competition we've been the cork in numerous times I sort of feel like it's nothing new to us and it's sort of standing this and hopefully hopefully this year it really will when we're used to it and we can make the most of it you know they get us over the line it doesn't it doesn't faze us at the moment. Yeah I've looking at their results of late they've had a busy week or so they beat Avondale in the Munster senior league then they lost to Middleton last weekend in the Munster senior league keen cup and then had a victory over Formoy 7-0 in the Beamish Cup so they've had a busy week looking forward to the game you know they're getting a lot of publicity down there I think it's their third semifinal I was reading in 10 years I'm sure it'll be a good home support for them but as you say I mean you've nothing to fear you've you're right up there and sometimes it can just be one year you might just get the breaks that other years you don't. Ah this is it like you know we've kind of experienced some and there's plenty of youths there like younger guys and you know even the younger guys have played you know Corey McBride and Lee McLaughlin and Fan McClure the likes of these boys have all played on a big stage they've played in school finals and they've played with an original team so in that sense it'll be nothing new to us playing in front of a crowd and and we'll relish it really so we're looking forward to it more than anything else hopefully as you say this could be our year something in the kick of a ball I think it'll come down to it'll come down to something simple whoever makes the least mistakes as they say just the kick of the ball goes right for you we'll be on the right side of it hopefully. Aside from the Intermediate Cup you also have the FAI Senior Cup to look forward to and the draw made there the preliminary round you're going to be at home to St. Moctez aside who you've played in the past yeah we traveled to St. Moctez a few times actually we started to know them as well we got a home draw this time I think it's the 9th of April and luck with with things going well at the minute and the team going well it's it's really a great draw for the club hopefully you know we've been away most of the time this year and over the years so hopefully you know with the home draw we make it we make it a few heads I had to watch us and a big support for the club because it's needed at the minute yeah I think St. Moctez in the past didn't Glenn Crowe the former Bohemian striker I think he had a spell again with them and played against you played against if that's right I think it was down there I looked like teams in Dublin that they the same probably as uh uh Ring Mahan they they have a great territory and a lot of good players come through the clubs that's that's a lot easier for them to attract players we find that a wee bit more difficult but they do the likes of Gavin and Jazza you know this year they put a lot of work in and and building a really good squad we have 18 players and any one of them can play in any day and in that sense we don't fear any names having a strong squad is part of it these days if you're going to win a competition often the guy coming off the bench can can be a match winner and you certainly need that that backup ah there's no question about it we uh many games this year nearly most of our games we've had guys coming off the bench and getting winners and that's sort of been the story of our season you know even the last two seasons and and at the minute the way we are we have we have a like for like player in every position and everybody's going to count come Sunday and and for the rest of the season every game for us from now to then the season is going to be a cup final and everybody's going to play their part and finally Gavin what would it mean to you and the rest of the team to reach a final and get that chance to play at the Viva Stadium ah look I think as a player you know it doesn't get much better than playing in the Viva and I don't think there's any shame away from the fact that uh this group of players is that's what we've been working towards the last the last 10 years I could say and because we've been so dominant it was on our county you know there's always that question asked about how we can't do we can't do it on a national stage and you know it would mean a lot and anybody you know they have the answer for them you know it means everything as a player and or as I say we're working very hard and hopefully we come out in the right side of it this year it would mean a lot well Gavin thanks for joining us we wish you the very best of luck in that game against ring man and hopefully Cockhill will get through and book their place in the final of the FAI Intermediate Cup Tommy Dardy chairman of Cockhill Celtic FC a huge day for the club this weekend you're making the long trip down to Cork to play ring man Rangers in the semifinal of the FAI Intermediate Cup you've already made history getting to this stage of the competition but it would mean so much to so many people if you could get to that final wouldn't it that would be absolutely fantastic trusty but not being a subject we would love to do you know for for the team and for the management of team and the back room staff and the effort that's been on over the last few years to even to reach this far as unbelievable from a small club up here and and the show and like I mean we're coming from a league with five teams under the minute also senior league you know and you're competing against the best junior teams are on the media sites and Ireland this stage and it's even to get to the last four is an unbelievable achievement to really mean I couldn't be prouder of the manager and the playing staff in the minute and the back room staff they've been fantastic for the last few years it's unbelievable we're over the minute but it's quite all right over the years you've gone close to to going all the way you've got to the quarter final on a number of occasions and probably been unlucky not to have progressed further so maybe this time around just with that little touch of luck you could go that bit further well I think this maybe gavel city we can compete with any other media site in the country at the moment with no fear from any team as I say we've been playing and knocking it over this last few years last year in particular we went out to the quarter final stages with blue bell and I felt we didn't do ourselves justice that day the years they seem to be every week seems to be there they're improving and proven and it's been going fantastic at the minute the bonus week you know that's Tommy Doherty finishing that piece that Chris Ashmore prepared ahead of Cockhill Celtics long trip to Cork on Sunday in the FA Intermediate Cup semi-final ring Mahan ranger standing between themselves and a place at the Aviva stadium we wish Cockhill Celtic all the very best there's busy weekend of action in junior soccer here in Donegal both in in a show and in the Donegal league and of course the hurlers are out this weekend Donegal hurlers play Tarone in a big game in the national hurling league division 2b that's on Sunday at one o'clock in O'Donnell Park Tom Comeck will be at that one for Highland Radio Sunday sport and that will be he'll have updates throughout the afternoon from that game in letter Kenny well that's about it for this evening hopefully you have an enjoyable St Patrick's Day and if you're not getting along to any matches this weekend well you can stay tuned to Highland Radio where we will have coverage from all the main action thanks to tonight's guests thanks to Joe who engineered from myself German Doherty enjoy the rest of your evening