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All-Ireland final to be colour clash as Donegal goes for gold

DONEGAL will be pure gold in the All-Ireland final after Croke Park ruled that both counties should wear their traditional colours.

There had been concerns that both teams would have to wear their alternative strips as both traditionally wear green and gold.

In the past, when there has been a colour clash involving the counties, Donegal players have had to line out in white strips while Kerry has had to wear the blue of Munster.

However, Croke Park has ruled that Donegal will wear the usual gold jersey with green trim while the Kingdom will wear their usual green jersey with the gold hoop.

The news was welcomed by Donegal GAA chairman, Sean Dunnion who said it was a boost for the Donegal players and followers.

"I suppose it's a case of Donegal being pure gold and Kerry being a wee bit gold," Dunnion said.

The GAA county board chairman said the two sets of jerseys were distinct enough to ensure players would not be confused come Sunday fortnight.

With 16 days to go to All-Ireland Sunday, Donegal fans are starting to crank up their support with the colours appearing all over the county and on cars in neighbouring Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh.

"The ticket frenzy is in full swing and we should have details about distribution later this week or early next week," Mr Dunnion said.

Details of how tickets will be distributed will be released on Donegal GAA's Twitter account - @official-donegal - or through the county's official website on www.donegalgaa.ie.

Mr Dunnion also warned fans not to purchase tickets from unofficial sources.

The county chairman urged supporters to give players and management space to prepare for the final.

"Some of the players are being approached about tickets but I would urge people to give them space to prepare," he said.

Meanwhile, in Strabane, the O'Neills sportswear factory is preparing for a massive increase in demand for Donegal GAA tops in the next fortnight, according to managing director, Kieran Kennedy.

Mr Kennedy said: "At present we're finishing off the hurling final (on Sunday). We're flat out doing the Kilkenny and Tip (Tipperary) jerseys but come the weekend, it's over to Donegal flat out.

"Going by previous years, I know we're going to be rushed off our feet particularly as the Donegal players are wearing O'Neills gear in the final."

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