Posted online: Feb 8th, 2010

Donegal will be looking to maintain the momentum from their McKenna Cup-winning performance on Saturday when they face Westmeath in their National Football League opener in Mullingar on Sunday.
John Joe Doherty’s men retained the McKenna Cup in Brewster Park on Saturday, with a late David Walsh goal giving Donegal a one-point victory over Tyrone.
Donegal’s Colm McFadden told the Post that the team are hoping to build on their McKenna Cup success.
The St Michaels man added that the intense fortnight of action will see his own game reap the rewards ahead of that Cusack Park clash.
“Westmeath is the big one. There’s no rest but it’s good.
“These games were tough being so close together but it’s definitely better than training. It’s important that we get off to a good start and get two points on the board.
“Last year I was injured until March or April and then I got the chicken pox, so I didn’t really get a start on things.
“I’m just glad that I’m injury free now and hopefully will be for the remainder of the year.”
Donegal will be hoping to secure promotion back into Division One after the disappointment of being relegated following last year’s campaign.
The departure of Dessie Dolan from Westmeath’s county set-up is a boost from Donegal, although the possible absence of Karl Lacey due to injury will be a concern for the manager.