26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
All Ireland Final fever grips Donegal as county shows its pride in green and gold
This Donegal team has injected the county with a bolt of excitement and hope that hasn't been felt since that glorious All-Ireland run of 2012.
And with just two short weeks to prepare, every corner of the county has exploded with All Ireland fever.
Roadsides are drenched in green and gold, flags hang from every gable, bunting criss-crosses town streets, and even the sheep are sprayed for Sam.
Murals have been updated, songs have been written, poems recited, and more than a few prayers whispered.
In Glenties, the home of Donegal legend Jim McGuinness, cardboard cut outs of the team and backroom staff are hung from every lamp post, while in Letterkenny, the Polestar Roundabout has been illuminated in green and gold.
In Buncrana, the latest mural by Tuath Nua caused a stir after locals made their feelings clear; 'Donegal for Sam, Kerry for Butter', while hillsides have been marked with 'Sam for the Hills' in Glengesh.
A trio of Donegal men went one step further than anyone else and took themselves off to Kerry and planted Donegal flags in Killarney and the Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence; it was for a good cause and the Kerry supporters seemed to take it in good humour.
Even the gardaí got in on the craic with Donegal's Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan, presenting Sergeant Maurice Doyle, a Kerry man stationed in Donegal, with a Kerry teacup.
And while all roads lead to Croke Park on Sunday, the lads from Red Hughs; Darragh McMenamin, Cathair Browne, Ronan McLaughlin, Cathal McMenamin, Cathal and James Doherty and Tom McMenamin are aiming to get there in style.
The young men have turned a Citroen into the 'Jim Mobile' customised in the county colours and featuring Donegal panel members Stephen McMenamin, Jonny Carlin, and Tommy Devine.
Unfortunately, there has been an almighty scramble for tickets with just over 13,000 tickets allocated resulting in many fans being left disappointed but thanks to hand working volunteers and sponsors, towns and villages across the county have opted to show the game on the big screen.
Family days out are planned in Ballybofey, Donegal Town and Killybegs while every pub, restaurant and home in the county will be watching the game.
The craic is set to be mighty.
And win or lose, this Donegal team has given the county a summer to remember.
