Róisín Rodgers praises impact younger players have made on Donegal

Michael Bolton

Donegal captain Róisín Rodgers has praised the impact younger players have made on the squad as they prepare for their opening game of the All-Ireland football championship.

In a period of transition for James Daly's side, Donegal finished fourth in Division Two. Rodgers reflected on their three draws in the league, as well as their Ulster final defeat to rivals Armagh.

Rodgers' first season as captain is a sign of the changes underway for Donegal, but she remains confident they can compete with the top counties.

“It’s like that old saying—if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. We know it’s going to be a big challenge going into these next couple of games, so it’s just about seeing where we can take it.

“We are in that transition period as well, with some of the younger girls. Hopefully, we can use some of that youth on our side and keep pushing on.

“Those younger girls are a credit to themselves. It’s not easy coming into a senior ladies' squad at such a young age. They’re going to be coming up against bigger, stronger players as well.

“They are putting in all the work they can—in the gym, on the field, off the field—whatever way they can prepare themselves for the championship.

“The likes of Mia Bennett in the forward line—she has played an absolute stormer in the last couple of games.”

Since narrowly losing to eventual winners Meath in the All-Ireland semi-final in 2022, Donegal have not been in contention at the crucial stages of the season.

In Donegal’s group are Galway and Tipperary, both of whom they have already faced in the league this year.

Relegation and defeats in Ulster finals have followed in recent seasons, but Rodgers says there are positives to take into the championship.

“For us, it came at the right time. For some of the younger girls, it has given them a lot of experience of how the season is going to go in terms of the championship ahead.

“We have played them, they know what it’s going to be like, and they have a feel for it going into the championship.

“We’re all on a bit of a similar journey. We’ve all had a transition period—they’ve lost players and had players come back—so I think in our group, you can really see that coming through.

“Everyone’s journey is similar, but it’s also so different as well.”