Donegal want positive finish to the season

By Matthew Wilson and Michael McMullan

DONEGAL want to finish their Christy Ring Cup campaign on a positive note when Meath come to O’Donnell Park on Saturday. Their draw at the hands of Roscommon last weekend leaves Mickey McCann’s side almost safe from relegation due to their superior score difference to the Rossies.

Donegal will recall their performance from last season down in Trim in the league when they could’ve taken at least a draw.

Donegal did overcome the Royals in the final game of the group stages thanks to 0-16 from Liam McKinney.

Last weekend’s draw keeps Donegal’s status in the competition within their own grasp.

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“It’s probably hard to appreciate it now, but that point is massive for us,” Brian MacIntyre said after last weekend’s draw.

“It’s a good level of hurling for Donegal to be at. We want to be at this level and we actually want to be pushing for the top end of this level.

“This is a disappointing day and one that I think we need to build on for next year.

“Hopefully we’ll have opportunities again next year and hopefully if we get in this position then we can push on.”

Donegal can still qualify to join Kerry in the final but it is a tall order with score difference becoming involved should they end up on five points with Meath and Derry.

“It was the same situation last year, we played Meath down in Trim,” MacIntyre said of the Christy Ring Cup game.

“It was a dead rubber but we went down and beat Meath with a very good performance. That’s all we can aim for now, getting a good performance next week against Meath and finishing off the year well.

“It’s been a positive year overall, we’re in Division Two hurling and we just have to learn from this now.”