McDermott relishes Ulster final opportunity

IT has been a remarkable 12 months for Stephen McDermott and the long range forecasts are for even better.

Brian McEniff ignored his tender years - and a toe injury - last year and was rewarded with a couple of superb performances as Donegal went all the way to the All-Ireland semi-final.

A fortnight ago against Tyrone, he was restricted to the bench because of the role Brian McLaughlin played in bringing St Micheals to the All-Ireland intermediate final. However, after 25 minutes and with Donegal getting no change in midfield, McEniff called on the 22-year-old again.

It turned the game in Donegal’s favour, as Sean Cavanagh, no less, was left in his slipstream at Clones.

“It has been a roller-coaster,” says McDermott. “But, it has been a great experience. Everybody wants to play for their county, and to play in Croke Park is where you want to be.”

McDermott was one of the reasons for Donegal’s vast improvement though 2003. The impact he made at midfield can be gauged by the 2-7 he scored in four games, including a spectacular solo effort against Down.

“For a debut season, last year went well,” said McDermott. “I didn’t think I would get the chance so soon after just coming into the panel. A few players got injured, and I kind of fitted into the system Brian wanted to play.”

McDermott is one of the reasons many believe the future of Donegal football is bright. His presence illustrates the sea-change in football in the North-West. Only Micheal Hegarty, their elegant centre-forward, has survived from the 1996 minor team that lost an All-Ireland final to Laois. McDermott is one of four likely starters on Sunday from the 1999 minor team, that lost an Ulster final replay to eventual All-Ireland champions Down by a point.

“Colm McFadden, Christy [Toye] and Brendan [Boyle] and myself were on that team. Losing that Ulster minor final was one of the biggest disappointments of my career. We had Down beaten in the first game and let them back into it, they got a fluky goal and then beat us in the replay. Because they went on to win the All-Ireland, you always think what might have been.”

They have a chance to rectify matters this weekend in Croke Park. Donegal haven’t won a senior title since their historic All-Ireland 12 years ago. Players and supporters-need this Ulster title much more than Armagh.

“There are a lot of more experienced players who have drilled it into the younger lads that it isn’t always like this. There aren’t Ulster finals every year, and you have to make them count when you get into them. That is what we intend to do.”