McEniff banks on McDermott to deliver for Donegal
McDermott missed the semi-final replay victory over highly-fancied Galway after picking up a leg injury in the drawn game.
He was replaced by Brendan Boyle for the replay, but in light of last night’s team announcement, team boss McEniff obviously considers McDermott the best option as the 1992 champions throw down the gauntlet to the Orchard County.
Centre-back Barry Monaghan and centre-forward Michael Hegarty were given the all-clear after coming through fitness tests last night.
Star corner forward Brendan Devenney, who has been nursing a medial knee ligament injury, was also given the thumbs-up after being declared fit to play.
Armagh manager Joe Kernan announced an unchanged side from that which defeated Laois in the semi-final.
With no injury problems to contend with, Kernan gave his backing to the starting side that brought Armagh through to their second semi-final appearance in successive seasons.
Armagh’s return to full strength at this crucial stage is a significant development for the Sam Maguire Cup holders.
As Kernan said after naming his side last night in Crossmaglen: “Thankfully the people who had all long term injuries are all okay now and that is a major boost to us.”
Sunday’s semi-final is a repeat of last year’s Ulster final which was won by Armagh on a day marred by Donegal’s woeful finishing.
But as Kernan said, “Both teams have improved since then and Donegal have learned an awful lot in the meantime. From dismal depths and league relegation Donegal have been the resurrection story of the GAA year and we will be treating them with the utmost of respect.
“I know Brian McEniff for many a long day now. I respect him enormously and I know he will have his team in super shape and really up for this game on Sunday.
McEniff, after announcing his side said: “It really is great to be back in Croke Park on what should be a super occasion. Things did not go well for us at the beginning of the season.”
“It took a while for the players to adjust to me and for me to adjust to them but it has all worked out well,” he added.
“I am delighted for the players to be given this opportunity to display their wares against an Armagh side that did all Ulster proud last year by the manner in which they won the All-Ireland for the first time.”
DONEGAL (SF v Armagh): T. Blake; N. McCready, R. Sweeney, D. Diver; S. Carr, B. Monaghan, K. Cassidy; J. Gildea, S. McDermott; C. Toye, M. Hegarty, P. McGonigle; B. Roper, A. Sweeney, B. Devenney.
ARMAGH (SF v Donegal): P. Hearty, A. Mallon, E. McNulty, F. Bellew; A. O'Rourke, K. McGeeney, A. McCann; B. Loughrin, P. McGrane; R. Clarke, J. McEntee, O. McConville; B. McDonnell, D. Marsden, T. McEntee.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
