Up for the match and outside ‘Ray’s Loaded Lunches’ on Rock Street, were, from left: Kathleen O’Halloran, Ray Duffy and Phillip Moore. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
DONEGAL native Ray Duffy says he can’t lose whatever the result on Sunday week.
The owner of ‘Ray’s Loaded Lunches” on Rock Street is gearing up for the All-Ireland Final between his home county and his adopted one in a house of split loyalties.
“Kerry fans have been very enjoyable over the last couple of weeks and there have been no hard feelings. Once Donegal beat the Dubs everyone was delighted!” said Ray Duffy.
“It’s just great that Donegal have been playing well these last few years because there was a long time where we were in doldrums,” Ray said.
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Ray is originally from Ballyshannon, but has been living and working in Kerry for the last 20 years. Ray was a chef in the Grand Hotel for 14 years until he went out on his own and started ‘Ray’s Loaded Lunches’ on lower Rock Street, which will celebrate its fourth year in business this October.
“When I came to Kerry first I was supposed to only be here six months, but I ended up loving it so much I stayed. I’ll be honest with you, Kerry is home my home now,” said Ray.
“I think Kerry and Donegal are very similar counties, the people are very friendly in both,” said Ray.
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Ray has a wife, Diana who was brought up in Limerick, but her grandmother hailed from Glenbeigh. He also has two sons, Brad (18) and Dara (9).
“The way I look at it, I can’t lose. I’ll be happy for my sons and my wife if Kerry win the All-Ireland,” said Ray.
“My oldest son Brad came with me to the 2012 final to see Donegal win. The deal was the next time Kerry were in the All-Ireland I’d go watch Kerry, so I’m as good as my word,” said Ray.
“I think as far as this year goes, nothing will beat knocking out the Dubs. We were such underdogs, we weren’t given a chance in both the minor and senior games, so to come out with two wins was fantastic,” Ray said.
“Kerry getting to the final is a great boost to the economy here as well. Everyone is cheerful and looking forward to the final, but we could do with a bit more bunting around the place,” said Ray.
“If I had to make a prediction, I think Donegal will win by three, but a point will do!” said Ray.
“Donegal are further down the line now. Jim McGuiness is slightly more experienced than Eamonn Fitzmaurice. Kerry are the team of the future, but Donegal are the team of the now,” said Ray.
