RORY GALLAGHER AND DONEGAL get their teeth sunk into preparations for 2016 this Saturday when they face Derry at Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny (throw-in 1pm).
Gallagher has named a strong panel for the game, which marks the official opening of the pitch at the Knocknamona school.
They will be led by Michael Murphy, who will captain the Donegal senior team for the sixth year in 2016, Gallagher has confirmed to Donegal Sport Hub.
Four weeks from Sunday, Donegal will get their Dr McKenna Cup campaign underway with the fixtures for that competition to be confirmed on Tuesday night by the Ulster Council.
Donegal haven’t returned to collective training and will do so on Tuesday, but they have been granted permission for Saturday’s game, with Gallagher using the chance to see in the flesh some of the dozen new players he has drafted into his squad.
“The result is neither here nor there, but we’re looking forward to getting the game and getting back out onto a field again,” the Donegal manager said.
“We were delighted to avail of the facilities at Coláiste Ailigh. They’ve a great set-up there and it’ll be good for us to get an early game under our belts.”
Donegal have been drawn against Down, Fermanagh and St Mary’s College in the Dr McKenna Cup.
Their Allianz League campaign opens on January 30 at Pairc Esler against Down and Gallagher is keen for Donegal to progress in the McKenna Cup.
“The main aim in the McKenna Cup will be to blood the young fellas,” he said.
“The core group have had a good, extended break this year. We definitely intend to field strong teams to give us the best chance of qualifying. We’d love to get out of the group and get an extra game or two.
“We had no collective training last year before the McKenna Cup so the dynamic is different this year. We will have had a bit of training and a couple of challenge games behind us this time.”
Paul Durcan, who will play for Ballyboden St Enda’s in the Leinster Senior Club final this Sunday against Portlaoise, has relocated to Qatar, but Gallagher has been able to call on the remainder of his experienced artillary.
The likes of Colm McFadden, Christy Toye, Karl Lacey, Neil Gallagher and Eamon McGee will be eased back in the early moments of the season.
Gallagher has saluted the Glenfin man as ‘one of the top players in the country’.
“Frank McGlynn is just a joy to work with,” the Donegal manager said.
“That’s clear to see every time he goes out there for Donegal. We marvel at some of the things he does in training. Donegal football is very lucky to have a player of his quality.”
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