Divided loyalties ahead of Sunday's showdown with one Royals supporter stranded 'behind enemy lines'
Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final will very much see divided loyalties in one Donegal household as Ratoath native Ciaran Fitzgerald cheers on the Royals while the rest of the family will be shouting for Donegal.
A staunch Meath supporter, Ciaran, originally from Fairyhouse, has been living in Buncrana the last 14 years. He will be rooting for Meath on Sunday but wife Gemma and three children Mia (11), Darragh (6) and Matthew (2), will all supporting Donegal.
“It's the match we have all been waiting for. My wife and my kids all support Donegal and obviously I'm up for Meath,” said Ciaran.
Ciaran won't get to make the trip to Croke Park on Sunday as it clashes with his father-in-law's 80 birthday but he is looking forward to the craic watching it with the in-laws and extended family.
“The whole family will be cheering for Donegal- I'll be cheering for Meath on my own. It will be good craic. I'll be the only one among about 20 Donegal fans.”
According to Ciaran, the mood among Donegal supporters is very much one of confidence and he said there is a great buzz around the semi-final in the county.
“They are very confident. The confidence is high. They are all convinced they are going to get to the final. People are looking for final tickets already. I am hoping Meath can cause an upset and turn the tables.”
He added: “There are a lot of flags and a lot of bunting. There is a big buzz in the county.”
Ciaran is a long term Meath fan and told how before he moved to Donegal, he never missed a match.
“Before I moved here and before my kids were born I used to go to every single match with a gang of lads from Ratoath and we were there come rain or shine so it's great there is a bit of buzz back in Meath football again. I am very proud of the team this year. They are flying. Young lads without any fear- the likes of Jordan Morris- they are absolutely flying. It is great to see and hopefully they can do the business on Sunday.”