Donegal's to lose

KERRY ace Darran O’Sullivan admits that it will take a slip in standards by Donegal to allow the rest of the counties catch up with the new All-Ireland kingpins.

The Tir Chonaill men bridged a 20 year gap to claim the Sam Maguire last weekend, but already the Kingdom and others are plotting Donegal’s downfall in 2013. Jim McGuinness’ side have raised the bar in terms of preparation, fitness and intensity, but O’Sullivan insists that it will be difficult for Donegal to rouse themselves to repeat their All-Ireland feat next year.

“It is quite easy to have the hunger and drive to win the first one. It’s something new to you, something you’ve dreamed about since you were a boy. Once you’ve won it, you have to find something else to push you on, and it will be interesting to see what Donegal draw on next year,” the Kerry attacker said.

“When you’ve put so much effort into one year, it does take its toll on the body. Donegal have been fortunate in many ways that they haven’t suffered from injuries, but after two very tough and intense seasons, they could find it very tough to go at it again next season.”

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