News round-up: Gavin Cummiskeytalks to Donegal manager Brian McIver, whose side are building for summer success

There was no moment in particular but a realisation seemed to wash over the Donegal team in Letterkenny last Sunday. Kerry were there for the taking. Brendan Devenney twigged it quicker than the others.

One observer noted the All-Ireland champions' first-half performance was as good as anything produced under the multi-tasking new rookie manager Pat O'Shea. Despite the absence of Colm Cooper and the shoulder injury sustained by Kieran Donaghy after 20 minutes, the visitors were primed to hand Brian McIver's team their first defeat of the season.

Then Donegal produced an inspiring 10-point turnaround. Kerry were outplayed.

Because of illness, McIver was confined to the stand, his son Paul walked the line instead, as the form side of 2007 looked set to get their comeuppance.

"It was a massive victory in terms of us coming from five points down to finish five points up against the All-Ireland champions," said McIver yesterday. "Plus the fact it kept the momentum going. It's just been a great start to the season. I mean what more could you ask for? Five wins out of five against top-class, quality sides. Division One A is a very strong section. It's very nice from our perspective to be going down to Limerick (on Sunday) with 10 points.

"Most importantly, there was the fear of ending up in Division Two or even Division Three next season but now we are guaranteed to stay in Division One."

Two years ago Donegal were the whipping boys of Division One. A league restructuring back then would have left them in ruins. This Donegal side gave a glimpse of their potential last season before ultimately underperforming on the big stage. Cork beat them in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park by a point.

"I suppose it takes time, like anything else, to get bedded in. We worked very hard during the last year to build a strong panel. We had to strengthen our panel," said McIver,

Significantly, Devenney and Kevin Cassidy returned at the start of this campaign from self-imposed isolation. The problems these players had with the management and the rigorous commitment to intercounty football appear to have been calmed. Their presence was crucial last Sunday as Kerry were swept aside. Barry Dunnion and Rory Kavanagh are as good as anyone in their positions around the country.

There are others; like midfielder Neil Gallagher and corner forward Colm McFadden who have been immense this year but both are absent for Sunday's trip to the Gaelic Grounds. Then it's Fermanagh before the league play-offs, possibly - on current form definitely - a final.

The phoney war ends on May 27th when they collide with Armagh in the Ulster championship opener. "We know that's looming," said McIver before seeking a way to dilute the inevitable hype that is generated by such dashing league form. "So much of the work starts now." '

'We're not getting carried away' is a line he adds as a qualification to every sentence.

Armagh, Tyrone and Kerry. The holy trinity since 2002. All have been scalped by Donegal this season. They are 11 to 1 for the All-Ireland, 4 to 1 for Ulster. Considering they are the best team in the country right now, these are enticing odds. At least two of the big three will hit form this summer. Mayo or Dublin may also have a say but it's Donegal who look like the real deal.

"We'd be hopeful we are on the right road. All the serious work is still to do," says McIver.

But Donegal don't look a side that will crumble easily. The foundations appear too solid. Too many lean, powerful defenders, a towering midfield and, most importantly, scoring forwards. There is also strength in the panel. Adrian Sweeney, Michael Hegarty and Eamon McGee all came off the bench last Sunday.

"We wanted to get to the stage where we can have these types of players coming in. The panel lacked that kind of depth across the board last year."

McIver devotes his full attentions to the role since retiring from teaching last August. A full-time manager now? "It was probably a full-time thing last year too."

McIver refuses to get carried away but those on the outside looking in are beginning to wonder how far this group can really go.