National League Football Final: Gavin Cummiskeyon how Donegal's league final meeting with Mayo on Sunday is a skirmish ahead of the real hostilities when they meet Armagh in the championship
It's still the phoney war. That period in the second World War from September 1939 until April 1940 was so named as seemingly nothing much was happening after the initial outbreak of hostilities. Although try telling that to the good citizens of Poland, which was in the process of being occupied.
Open warfare only ignited in May but intense preparations were under way, behind the scenes, all across Europe. To put this scenario into a present-day context, take a trip to south Armagh on one of these bright summer evenings.
Joe Kernan is in the process of whipping his evolving team into shape ahead of the battle of Ballybofey on May 27th. The keeper of the Orchard began the propaganda war yesterday by criticising the switch in venue from Clones to Seán MacCumhaill Park.
Donegal have the right to stage the match on home soil but in these tedious weeks building up to the Ulster championship any motivational tool will be instantly seized upon.
Donegal, the most refreshing performers this spring, have the small matter of a National League final against Mayo on Sunday in Croke Park to attend to first. Considering their mounting injury list they could probably do without the additional fixture.
The chance at attaining their first silverware since the 1992 All-Ireland remains important to players and supporters alike but, regardless of what has gone before, the year will be defined by how they cope with the Armagh Blitzkrieg.
If one was to choose a man to follow into Ulster's battleground, Donegal's imposing captain Neil Gallagher would feature prominently on most short-lists.
Gallagher knows where his priorities lie.
"Aye, I would worry about them. Armagh are Armagh. They're going to be consistent and won't be unprepared for the championship. No matter where the game is fixed they'll be up for it. It's been highlighted that through the league they weren't playing that great and got a few bad results but that's all going to change in the championship. With the Crossmaglen boys back and whatever they'll be tough."
End the reign of the three-time Ulster champions and Tyrone should be waiting in the long grass.
"It's difficult whatever teams you play. At the moment we have a wee eye on Armagh but they'll be flat out now in preparation to play us. When we get this (league final) over and done we'll prepare for them."
What makes Donegal genuine contenders for provincial honours is the wealth of talent now evident throughout the county. Crucially, they are a team of maturing footballers.
"The likes of (Colm) McFadden was away studying in Liverpool last year and while he played a couple of league games he couldn't give a commitment. So we didn't really have him at all. (Brendan) Devenney took a year out playing soccer but he's come in, looks strong and fresh and isn't playing any soccer at all."
They also missed All Star wing back Kevin Cassidy, who now partners Gallagher in the engine room. "Aye, definitely. He went away to America last year, which is something I've always wanted to do. Everybody knew he was a good footballer having played at half-back and he's doing really well now. Even the last day before he was sent off he was playing great stuff so it's a big benefit to have him there, definitely.
"Last year our defence played well. They weren't conceding that much the whole way through the championship. Cassidy coming back can only tighten things up further. He played against Dublin at half back and probably preferred that. But Brian (McIver) has moved him there (to midfield) and he's done well there too with a great goal against Kerry."
The injection of quality is evident throughout the squad.
"Paddy McConigley, who was captain of the London team, has come in there and just made the number five jersey his own playing great stuff. He actually got injured the last day which was a blow to us. There's plenty of competition there, all right. I mean Brian Roper didn't play much football last year but he's come in and played every match this year."
A glance at the reserves says it all really.
"Well you have guys like Adrian Sweeney and Eamon McGee, who was probably our best defender last year, and they're sitting on the bench so it can only be helpful to bring in these fellas. You saw that the last day when we brought five subs on and we needed them all. It's good that nobody is guaranteed their place in the team."
Like any Donegal player who has been around for a while - he came onto the panel in 2003 - Gallagher has seen plenty more days of sorrow than jubilation. Victory on Sunday would be a good starting point before the storm clouds break.
"Hopefully, we'll get a good support out the next day. They're not going to get carried away though, I don't think. It's a long time since we've had a bit of success. Hopefully, things will go our way and we'll get a result."
