It’s all to play for.
That’s the firm message coming from Donegal’s new genial, courteous and honest Donegal keeper Shaun Patton as he eagerly looks forward to cementing his place against Cavan in Ballybofey.
And in an era of boring, cloned soundbytes, this 22-year-old’s clarity and sincerity is most welcome.
He is in the middle of the spotlight at the launch of the Ulster Championship but he fields the questions like a veteran as he speaks frankly about making the big leap from a pretty high level at League of Ireland soccer to lining out for his native county.
It is a remarkable story of a young Letterkenny who grew up with a love for soccer as a teenager and was so proficient that he attracted the attention of some Cross Channel clubs.
Patton then went on to play in goals for Finn Harps at U-19, Derry City and played 15 times for Sligo Rovers.
He had also attracted the attention of Cork City.
But a text message last December from current Donegal goal-keeping coach Andrew McGovern changed all that.
“He texted me and asked me if I was interested and said that Declan Bonner would be interested in chatting you,'' said Patton.
“I spoke to Declan and I liked the way he spoke and I liked the things he had to say and it really intrigued me and I just wanted to be part of the squad.
“I decided to join and I am glad I did.
“I have a strong background in soccer, but I have always had a big interest in Gaelic as well and that was a big part of my life.''
Shaun played for local club Finn Harps, and made his debut when he was just 16.
“I was playing mostly U-19 football at that stage and we won the League and then I moved to Derry City for two years and then I moved to Sligo Rovers.
“I played 15 games for Sligo last year and also enjoyed it.”
So are there any comparisons between playing in goals in soccer and in Gaelic?
“There are not a lot of wild similarities,'' he states.
“They are two completely different sports and it took me a wee while to adjust to being a Gaelic goalkeeper.
“It took me a while to get adjusted, but I have got there and hopefully I can kick on now.”
Patton, who is working in Michael Murphy Leisure in Letterkenny, said it was a “whole new departure” for him.
“I have followed Donegal GAA all my life, watched them every Sunday and it was a great offer I could not turn down and I was just so excited to get the phone call.
“It was something you couldn’t turn down once it became a reality for me and it is a fantastic thing and I am grateful that Declan gave me my chance.”
Patton made his debut against Monaghan in the Dr McKenna Cup.
He then made his NFL debut against Kildare in Ballyshannon, an intense game.
His next big test is a huge one this Sunday against a Cavan side that has been revived under the charismatic Tyrone icon Mattie McGleenan.
“We are preparing ourselves the best we can and it is going to be a very tough game,'' he declared.
“We will take it as comes and we will have to play to the best of our ability.”
