Ulster Champions Donegal take on Dublin in Saturday’s All-Ireland U21 Championship semi-final at Breffni Park

THE All-Ireland U21 Championship may pass in the blink of an eye, but for Donegal boss Declan Bonner it’s the culmination of an arduous but rewarding journey for management and player alike.

When Bonner first came on board as U16 manager a five-year plan was installed in Donegal aimed at bolstering the senior inter-county team in the long run.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland Championship semi-final against Dublin, Bonner was full of praise for the dedicated young men leading the way for a new generation.

“We would set very high standards in everything we’ve done. We spoke about that five or six years ago when they were schoolboys basically.

“A number of players have dropped off but 95 per cent have remained on this journey and it’s so gratifying to see that. They’ve grown into young men who are really dedicated and professional in everything they do.”

Full interviews with Declan Bonner and Lorcan Connor are available in store today or online here.