Mary Coughlan: ‘We are different up here in Donegal - and we're special’

A Donegal councillor at just 21 years of age and, some years later, Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan admits she never thought she’d have the chance to experience a week like this.

As Cathaoirleach of the Donegal County Board, she knows she’s in for a white-knuckle ride ahead of - and during - the All-Ireland SFC final on Sunday between Donegal and Kerry.

“It’s something I never thought I would be doing,” she said of her role, with Donegal having the first all-female top table in the country, with Grace Boyle the treasurer and secretary Mary McHugh quietly going about their business.

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“I was always a supporter of the GAA but this is now about the people of Donegal. As for me, well, the job is relentless, but it's great to see the support that the team has. It’s been mentioned on several occasions that they were lifted by the spirit of that support. It’s a great inspiration for our young people, our boys and girls, who are watching their heroes on the pitch.

Mary admits nerves sometimes get the better of her on the big days, although her cool head is one of the reasons behind the transformation of Donegal GAA in the last two years.

“I do get very nervous for them that there might be mistakes or, most importantly, if somebody would get injured,” she continued. “Terribly nervous! And sometimes I think I'd rather be somewhere else you know. It’s a privilege to be in Ard Chomhairle but you could say there are certain restrictions there as well.”

This week, Mary adds, should be one for all to savour, and the team managed by Jim McGuinness is putting Donegal on the map. It creates immense pride, she says, for those at home and equally or perhaps more so for those away from home.

“We are different up here in Donegal - and we're special,” she says. “You know, when you're away from home and something like this is going on, then you want to be in the middle of it, and that's what these people would like to do.

“So if they can't be here, then you're bringing it to them. That's what we want to do - to bring this feeling to people. Look, not everybody's going to get to Croke Park, but there are loads of opportunities now being afforded to people. We know that Donegal alone could fill Croke Park twice over.

“A lot of clubs here will be showing the game in the clubhouse or in the locality and you know there's this much craic at that as it would be anywhere else.

“This is for the fans and our young people. Another thing that's going to be very important and maybe this is just me being me, please everyone stay safe, whether it’s on the roads or watching. We have the opportunity to enjoy the moment. There’s plenty to be done in the next few days, but we’ll be ready and although it’s extremely busy, it’s a great place to be.”