McEldowney expecting an electric atmosphere in minor final

EVERY young player wants to play in Croke Park and Fionn McEldowney is no different, but the Derry minor skipper feels it’s the right decision to take the All-Ireland minor final to Armagh.

Sunday’s game (BOX-IT Athletic Grounds 1pm) will be the Oaks’ fourth meeting with Monaghan this year and McEldowney knows exactly the size of test his side awaits.

“Obviously everyone wants to play in Croke Park but I feel Armagh will be better. It’s going to be a full house and a better atmosphere,” McEldowney said, comparing it to a sparsely populated Croke Park.

Deadly. Class. The two words McEldowney used to describe the feeling of looking forward to Sunday’s showdown says it all about the excitement both camps will bring.

“It is just where you want to be, you want to be as far as you can be and in finals,” he said.

“You have to be looking forward to it, there would be something wrong if you were not.”

McEldowney has looked on as his uncle Francis lifted club silverware in Armagh and was also inspired by Derry’s recent run of success at senior level.

It will be Derry minors’ 15th game of the season and ironically their first was a two-point win over Monaghan in the league opener.

Derry needed extra-time and penalties to clinch the Ulster title when the sides met at Sunday’s venue in the provincial final.

“It took everything to get over the line (Ulster final) and they (Monaghan) know what task is ahead of them.

“It’s wild to be playing the same team four times in the season, it’s not often that happens and both teams know each other very well.”