2 days ago
I'm a teenage ace breaking through under Jim McGuinness for Donegal, I find self-belief is critical
DONEGAL'S Finnbarr Roarty is relishing his role as the rookie.
The Naomh Conaill youngster made his Championship debut in his county's
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Tackling Bob Tuohy of Mayo with help from Ciaran Thompson
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Donegal will welcome Louth to Ballybofey this Sunday
Jim McGuinness trusted his youngest star to shine and Roarty has grabbed his chance with both hands.
He shone again in Sunday's chaotic
And Roarty says backing himself is the most important part as he gets to grips with senior inter-county football.
He said of the Mayo clash: 'It is unbelievable — any time you think you're getting the hang of it, they throw a game like this at you.
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"Nothing can really prepare you for that, it's a Championship day, taking it all in.
'You have to back yourself. If you're doubting yourself, you shouldn't be in there. If you're on the ball you have to be trusted on it, everybody, the 15 boys have to be good on the ball.'
And he is not the only Donegal young gun showing huge maturity.
Ciarán Moore is a little older than Roarty but, still only 22, it was his last-gasp winner that knocked Mayo out of the Championship.
Roarty hailed his fellow novice for going for the win after the hooter, even though a draw would have made no difference to Donegal's final position of second in the group.
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He said: 'That's just the maturity in the group — he's the second-youngest player on that team, he was able to take the score like that, take on his man, take on nearly two men.
'Everybody's running after him, he just took it in his stride and settled the game. Last play, some people just shoot it over the sideline but he backed himself, took the men on and got the score.
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'We had the chances, they just didn't get put away, it's something we have to improve on.'
Tyrone topped Group 1 to go straight to the last eight. They have this weekend off. For Donegal, finishing as runners-up will mean three games in two weeks if the Wee County are seen off.
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Donegal have played seven Championship games already and their sole defeat to the Red Hands cost them a direct quarter-final spot.
Roarty would love a breather but is more concerned with keeping his dream summer going as long as possible.
He added: 'You'd like the break but you have to take it in your stride.
'It's going to be a tough run now but you have no choice. This is the position we're in, we're going to have to take it on the head and go full tilt at it.'
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