The All-Ireland series for Donegal starts today in Carrick-on-Shannon against Laois we didn’t expect it to start here but that’s the hand we’ve been dealt. 
Following hard fought wins over Tyrone and Down it was expected Donegal would make history and take a third Anglo Celt back to the hills against Monaghan.
However, the Farney men had a different idea and delivered a wonderful performance to show yet again how Ulster really is the most competitive province in Ireland.
Monaghan’s victory reiterating just how wonderful an achievement it was for Donegal to win Ulster back to back from the preliminary round twice.
It’s a sobering experience being back in the qualifiers, Donegal are hurt, perhaps it was the nature of the defeat that hurt most.
Post mortems have been held all over the county following the defeat, with Donegal fans offering a host of different reasons for the defeat.
We’re over trained, team doesn’t have the same hunger, we’re tired, Lacey isn’t fit, McHugh going off was a huge loss, the forwards weren’t at it they didn’t score from play.
The list is endless but all Donegal showed was that their human in the previous two years they have almost looked invincible at times.
They did play poorly the management and players have acknowledged that, Monaghan deserved their victory it was their time to shine but anyone writing off Donegal would be foolish.
We still are All-Ireland champions and you don’t become a bad team overnight after one below par performance in a provincial decider.
Donegal are expected to negotiate their way past a tricky Laois side who have momentum with them following back to back wins over Wexford and Clare.
The quality of the Donegal side throughout should prove too much for Laois.
The players will be keen to put last weeks performance out of their system and book their place in the last 8 and get to Croke Park next weekend.
Sam is on the line folks so forget about last Sunday and let’s get behind the boys.
One thing is for sure if Donegal do win today nobody left in the last 8 will want to face them. That’s a fact.
Lets not let the summer end here, we know were destined to derail the Dubs and exact revenge on them for the semi-final defeat a few years ago.
Goodluck to Jim and the squad today and remember we only lost the battle last week the war is still to be won!!