Not for the first time this year, I have to offer my heartiest congratulations to Naomh Colmcille after they reached the All-Ireland Junior semi-final last week.

People may think that a trip to Edinburgh around Christmas time would be a bit of a party, but the Newtown lads were over there to win a game and that’s what they did.

It’s funny how things work out because they spent a lot of time organising the trip, booked a hotel out of the way in Livingston, and then went over on Thursday so that they wouldn’t be tired from all the travelling the day before the match.

They were leaving no stone unturned, but sometimes things that are outside your control get in the way.

The team encountered the aftermath of a car crash on route to the pitch, and that delayed them meaning they only got to the ground twenty minutes before throw-in.

Their warm-up was rushed and they didn’t get going in the first half, but still managed to get over the line, and now they are only 60 minutes away from an appearance in Croke Park.

It’s a remarkable achievement and it’s not that long ago that Naomh Colmcille were struggling to even win a game in Division 4.

But they stuck at it, and over the space of a couple of years, their fortunes started to turn.

There were always plenty of good players in the area, but it was about gelling it all together. There was a lot of soccer played in the vicinity, and they weren’t getting their best men to pull on the red and white shirt.

The tide started to turn when Stephen Friel became manager, and they made a lot of progress quickly once he mobilised them.

They won the Junior Championship, and then started to make an impression at Intermediate grade.

They got the scent of success then and while there have been ups and downs, Naomh Colmcille are a much stronger club now then what they were 10 years ago.

They’ve had a tough route and will now face the Cork champions Knocknagree after Christmas, but there’s no reason whey they can’t go on to become the first Donegal club to reach the All-Ireland Junior Final.

There will be a great buzz around Newtown this Christmas, but the players will have to keep an eye on the amount of turkey they eat, and ensure that the festivities aren’t too hectic.

A great run like they are enjoying can really transform an area and bring the whole community together. I know a lot of supporters went over to Edinburgh last week and that weekend will live long in their memory.

Naomh Colmcille are flying the flag for Donegal, and let’s hope the whole county gets behind them as they bid for a place in the All-Ireland Final at Croke Park.