Donegal captain Hugh McFadden says they are taking the McKenna Cup final seriously

HUGH McFadden says they are determined to ‘put in a performance for the people of Donegal’ in Saturday evening’s Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup final against Tyrone.

The Tyrone jersey should be like a red rag to a bull after last year’s Ulster Championship semi-final humbling, regardless of whether or not Declan Bonner fields his strongest side.

Donegal are very much a work in progress this year under their new manager but have performed admirably in their three league encounters, even though they have nothing substantive to show for their efforts.

Clinching a first McKenna Cup title since 2010 would be a welcome tonic then for a side fighting for their lives in Division One.

Speaking in the wake of their latest moral victory – a 0-20 to 0-15 defeat to Dublin on Saturday night – McFadden said they would be as determined as ever to put in a strong showing against their Ulster rivals.

“No matter what Donegal team goes out next Saturday night against Tyrone, we are going out there to try to win that game.

“There’s a great rivalry there between Tyrone and Donegal and unfortunately they have had the upper hand in the two last big games between us.

“We will be going out there to put in a big performance for the people of Donegal.”

The full interview with Hugh McFadden is available in store today or online here.