Donegal invest in the long game

Spent five days in Donegal last week. Ahead of covering their clash with Tyrone in Ballybofey, it was an opportune time to take in the so-called Forgotten County although it’s Donegal’s understanding of what a kilometre is that’s just as much in need of refreshing.

Notwithstanding that and a little inclement weather, it was a thoroughly enjoyable break, split between the north and south of the county. Rossnowlagh’s delightful Sandhouse Hotel was our base for the last couple of nights. Unbeknownst to me booking the accommodation back in March, it was also the Donegal team’s on Saturday. Cue some awkward moments and small chat.

“We’ve been coming here since Jim’s (McGuinness) time,” explained one player. “He wanted to get us away even for home games just for a bit of peace.”