Donegal midfielder Hugh McFadden says the return to training in recent weeks has been “really enjoyable” with huge numbers coming out for his own club Na Cealla Beaga.

The Coronavirus pandemic has seen many working from home – and even return home from abroad – which McFadden feels has had a positive impact rural clubs in particular.

Speaking on RTE 2FM’s Game On programme, the Tir Chonaill County’s vice-captain was promoting the Donegal team’s charity cycle to raise funds for ten-month old baby Olivia 'Livie' Mulhern (check out the go fund me page here https://www.gofundme.com/f/teamdonegal4teamlivie) which takes place this Sunday, July 19.

"I suppose now we’re back training for our clubs two or three weeks and we’re back in the swing of things but were getting excited over the first few nights, you were kind of like a kid on the first day of school. I had my gear ready and I couldn’t wait to get up to our local field.

"It’s funny, the numbers in training have never been as big in rural Ireland. It’s the first time you’ve had everyone at home, people are working from home, colleges aren’t going on, you can’t go away on a J1, so it’s been really enjoyable.

"We’ve had 40 plus at all of our training and usually we’d be struggling for numbers so it’s really exciting. We’ve played a few friendlies in the last few weeks and we were probably a bit rusty in the first few days but it’s great to get back out playing."

On Sunday the Donegal Senior Team and I are doing a charity cycle to raise funds for baby Livie Mulhern. We'll set off from 9 locations and cycle to McCumhaill Park Ballybofey and, between us, we’ll visit all 39 Donegal GAA football clubs. Please donate using the link in my bio. pic.twitter.com/RNnN2ripzr

— Hugh McFadden (@HughMcFadden) July 15, 2020

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