Dundalk Gaels' McDonnell says "It's a huge opportunity"

All eyes will be on Ardee this weekend as Dundalk Gaels prepare to take on Hunterstown Rovers in the Louth Intermediate Football Championship final in what promises to be a close contest.

The Gaels have found form at the right time and will be eager to cap their season by securing the title. The opportunity to compete in an Intermediate final is a dream come true for Gaels player Tony McDonnell.

Having only recently made the step up from minor to senior football, McDonnell is looking forward to the chance to represent his club on such a big stage.

He told the Dundalk Democrat: "It's a huge opportunity for the club to drive on. All we can be is grateful because a lot of people didn't believe that we would get to the final".

Despite his young age McDonnell has taken to intermediate football with ease and described it as an "unbelievable" experience.

"It's my first year straight out of minor football. It's class – unbelievable! To have an introduction like this in the championship is what you have wanted since you were young.

"With your club and with your best mates it's an unbelievable opportunity," he added.

The excitement within the Ramparts camp is evident, especially after hard-fought victories in the knockouts and the players are fully aware of the opportunity in front of them.

When describing the mood in the dressing room, McDonnell said: "Buzzing. Especially after we got our first taste of it after the Kilkerley win.

"It's a surreal feeling after all the work you do in pre-season and throughout the year with gym work it tastes that bit better".

Reflecting on their semi-final victory over Mattock Rangers the youngster believes the experience will serve them well as they face a strong Hunterstown side.

“We can only get better because the confidence is there. We've bounced from one game to another and confidence is definitely high but we don't want to be overly confident," he said.

“Especially going into Hunterstown with such a strong opposition playing Division One football next year.

"Confidence is high but we will remain concentrated and together enough to not get overconfident and over our heads to get the job done.

“It's a one-point match 50/50 you can't decide who wins. We will have to prepare as much as we can before the final and all we can do is give our best and give our all".

McDonnell is full of praise for his teammates when looking back at the championship campaign and acknowledges the team effort that has brought them to this point.

“Overall I think it has been good. Without the group behind me, all I can do is my job and finish scoring.

"Without the goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and the forwards it doesn't happen. They are such a great team to play with and such a positive team.”

He pointed to the emotional highs after their victories over Kilkerley and Mattock as the standout moments this season. 

He said: “There could be a few but coming off the pitch in the Kilkerley game after I gave it my all.

“It was such a great feeling when that whistle went. Even with the crowd and everyone around us the game completely opened up”.