McGee and Donegal now in their prime

BY RYAN FERRY

Donegal midfielder Jason McGee feels his team have an excellent age profile with so many players in their prime.

McGee was joint-captain with Niall O’Donnell when Donegal won the Ulster Minor title in 2016.

And the following season he was also involved as Donegal clinched a provincial Under 21 title.

There were three decent minor teams in-a-row in 2014, 2015, 2016 and while an All-Ireland title eluded them, those sides do provide the backbone to the current senior panel now.

The players from those age groups are experienced and road-tested and they are ready to make the most of the opportunity in front of them on Sunday.

“We had a few great underage teams that came through the ranks together.

“We won a couple of Ulster minor titles and a few Under 21s and the bulk of that group now is 26, 27, 28, 29.

“When you look at our age profile it’s pretty much ideal with a few older boys there for experience and young fresh legs as well with Ciaran Moore and Finnbarr Roarty. So there is a good mix.

“It’s probably very similar to the age profile you had back in 2012.”

McGee made his breakthrough with Donegal when he was 19 so he’s well placed to speak on the phenomenal rise of teenager Finnbarr Roarty, who has been in sparkling form all season.

“You just knew right away from the start with Finnbarr that the hunger is there.

“He’s just so good in the tackle and he’s so eager and he’s in phenomenal shape.

“He’s settled in very well and nothing seems to faze him at all.”

The Falcarragh man got injured during the 2024 All-Ireland campaign, and he was out for nine months after the Galway semi-final.

He missed the entire league but Jim McGuinness was adamant that he had a plan for the big midfielder.

McGee returned for the Ulster Preliminary Round and played the four provincial games before missing the opening two group games.

However, he has played the last four matches and is feeling good about his body.

“I’m getting a good run at it now.

“I had a spell of injuries through last year and this year.

“But thankfully we have a great backroom team working with us and I really feel like I’m getting back to myself now.

“And we’re in a great place now that we have such competition for places.

“That starting fifteen is very hard to pick, and the 26 itself is very hard to pick.

“It’s great that Jim has those headaches.”

McGee has respect for the challenge that Kerry will provide but he has belief in the strength of Donegal’s collective.

“It’s going to be a massive game for us.

“But we’re going well and we would fancy ourselves against anyone.

“It’s just a case of putting the head down and getting as prepared as we can and hope for the best then.”