Murphy's trying to stay calm

Donegal’s Michael Murphy

THINGS have been going more than a little bit crazy in Donegal over recent weeks.

There has of course been the usual quota of green and gold painted cars, but the Tir Chonaill faithful have gone above and beyond the call of duty as they show support for their county team.

Think bags of turf strategically placed on the sides of a mountain to spell ‘C’mon Donegal.’ Think the Rory Gallagher statue in Ballyshannon with a Donegal jersey pulled on to it. Think a green and gold checked painted bookies and pub.

And, as anyone who follows Patrick McBrearty on Twitter can confirm, think green and gold spray painted sheep.

Team captain Michael Murphy smiles when he is reminded of some of the crazy occurrences which have taken place across his county in recent weeks, but reveals that he has thus far avoided getting any green and gold paint on his hands.

“I’ve taken a backward step from things like that, but it’s certainly going on. I think it’s fair to say that the whole county has gone a bit nuts. It’s been a good few years since Donegal have been in an All-Ireland final, so I suppose with Donegal being the football-mad county that it is, it’s only natural that people are going to get excited about things and they’re mad for success.

“For us though as a group of players, we know that we’re close, but we’re still a hell of a long way from actually doing it.

“There’s 70 minutes to be played against a very strong Mayo side, but for the supporters it’s nice to be able to let their hair down a bit. They’ve given us massive support throughout the whole year, and now ahead of an All-Ireland final it has gone to an even higher level and has given a brilliant lift to the entire county.”

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday September 13. Buy your copy now in your local newsagent, or you can purchase the online version – for only 90p – by clicking here