McLoone finds old hunger for victory

Mayo v Donegal

Leo McLoone has recaptured the hunger that deserted him after a hard few years on the road with Donegal.

The 26-year-old declined an invitation to join Rory Gallagher’s squad at the start of the season but returned a month ago, coming on in the Ulster final for his first appearance since last year’s All-Ireland final defeat by Kerry.

He played an important role in Donegal’s spirited second-half display against Galway last Saturday, and is feeling fresh ahead of tomorrow’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Mayo.

“I probably have the appetite back and feel hungrier than in other years,” he said.

“It had been a tough few years so it was good to get the break.

“It was something I felt I needed but I am just glad to get back in with the lads.

“Regardless of game-time or anything else, it was good to get involved again.” The perception is that Donegal must be tired after five tough championship games, including a tricky qualifier against Galway only a week ago.

Whatever the outcome, McLoone won’t be falling back on that excuse.

“I do feel fresh. I’m mad to get going and hopefully will get another wee run out, though only playing for the last 15, 20 minutes like we did against Galway won’t be good enough to beat Mayo.

“You’re always itching to get on and I enjoyed it when I came on in the second-half.

“Over the last few years, we have played a lot of games in Croke Park, as many as anybody, and maybe without realising it, you just go out there and think it’s like just any other pitch.

“We have a lot of leaders and even though we didn’t play to our full potential against Galway we finished strongly, which is good for confidence.

“In some ways, only having a week between games is not ideal but it’s good in other ways, because you have a bit of momentum and a bit of belief.

“When you win, you’re happy for the games to keep coming and we will be keen to rectify what happened against Mayo in 2013 (quarter-final).

“We’re not used to conceding that amount (4-17), so we hope to run them a lot closer anyway.”