Jim McGuinness says Donegal will come again after Sam dream shattered by Kerry

Jim McGuinness has pledged that Donegal will bounce back from their All-Ireland disappointment.

A David Clifford-inspired Kerry defeated Donegal by 10 points (1-26 to 0-19) in Sunday’s final at Croke Park.

Clifford hit nine points, each of them twisting the dagger further into the Donegal arteries, as Kerry were crowned champions for the 39th time, the game done by the time Joe O’Connor scored the only goal of the game.

Donegal have won the last two Ulster titles since McGuinness’s return as manager.

The Glenties man believes his squad can build on a memorable journey to the final.

“That's what you're hoping to do,” McGuinness said. “There's a huge amount of good work going on in Donegal.

“There's massive amounts of work going on behind the scenes in terms of the academy and trying to build teams and trying to put our younger lads in a position where they can experience days like this more often, if you like. 

“That work has to continue and the work with the players has to continue in the dressing room there as well.”

Read next: Jack O'Connor hints at 'last hurrah' as win over Donegal ends 'tough year' for Kerry

However, McGuinness had no qualms with the defeat, admitting that his side was outplayed by the Kingdom.

The Donegal boss said: “We have to reflect today. We've got to take it on the chin and we've got to also tip our hat to Kerry. Kerry were brilliant today. 

“They played really, really well for long periods of that game and even though we did get into situations where we felt we might get a bit of traction, that never really materialised.

"So, yes, we have to take it on the chin.”