In a covert overnight operation worthy of a Cold War spy thriller, a team of Donegal operatives infiltrated Killarney in the early hours of Wednesday morning, leaving behind enemy colours in some of the most sacred strongholds of Kerry GAA.

The trio - Lee Gooch, Denis Ferry, and Leslie O’Donnell - launched ‘Operation Green and GolD’ under the cover of darkness, targeting 18 counties on their mission to plant Donegal flags ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Final clash between Donegal and Kerry.

Their Killarney objective: high-visibility flag drops at key landmarks. Mission accomplished. The tricolour of Tir Chonaill now flutters defiantly on High Street and — in what can only be described as an act of GAA espionage — at the gates of Dr Crokes’ clubhouse, deep inside Kerry territory.

The operation began in the early hours, with the team reportedly “cruising through Limerick, Tipp, Laois, Kildare and Dublin — all before breakfast.”

Locals awoke to the unmistakable Donegal colours where green and gold usually means something very different.

The spies remain at large.

Kerry supporters are said to be regrouping and countermeasures are expected.