BY RYAN FERRY

IT’S a measure of Peadar Mogan’s maturity that he was able to stay grounded after Donegal’s quarter-final win over Louth on Sunday.

Mogan delivered one of his best ever displays in the green and gold jersey.

The St Naul’s man was simply awesome as he repeatedly charged up the field.

It wasn’t aimless running either as he has the game smarts to know where the space is.

He finished with five points and was unsurprisingly named as Player of the Match.

Mogan has been part of the Donegal panel who have come close to making the last four since 2020 but always came up short.

Now they are through to the semi-finals but the PE teacher appreciates that improvement is needed.

“First and foremost it’s brilliant to be in a semi-final.

“It’s been 2014 since we were there so we are really looking forward to it.

“I suppose it was hard work and just sheer determination but there’s a lot to improve on.

“The first half was very, very poor to be honest, and our game management and closing out the game.

“I suppose you get that when it’s a big occasion and you haven’t been here in a while.

“We are just very fortunate that we are still in the competition and we’re absolutely delighted.”

Mogan missed the championship last season with an ankle injury and he was an enormous loss to the team.

Donegal have turned their fortunes around and Mogan was delighted with how the fans supported the side.

“The people of Donegal are crying out for a team to support, and all we want to do is give them that.

“You can hear the cheer and we are a football mad county, and it’s great that we are fit to give these people another day out in Croke Park.”

Louth were playing in their first ever All-Ireland quarter-final.

Injuries to the likes of Peter Lynch and Ciaran Downey didn’t help their cause but they kept going to the end and Mogan has respect for their endeavours.

“They are an absolute credit to their county as well with the journey they have been on this year and even the last number of years.

“Probably just playing for the three weeks caught up with them in the end but they did themselves really really proud out there today.”

Mogan is on his summer holidays at the minute and he will be able to relax ahead of the big semi-final with Galway and a huge Donegal support are expected to descend on Croke Park for that occasion.

“It’s going to be an enjoyable two weeks and we will hopefully get the bodies freshened up and ready to go again.”