'If pride were able to be measured, it wouldn’t fit in here tonight'

Pride was the most telling emotion as the Donegal panel and management returned to Donegal Town following the All-Ireland final on Monday evening.

There was a sombre feeling as those involved in the 1-26 to 0-19 defeat to Kerry made their way towards the stage, but the crowd in attendance cheered on their heroes.

"There's a lot of hurt behind me,” manager Jim McGuinness said. “There's a lot of pain behind me. There is no doubt about it that these fellas wanted to be standing up here today, and they wanted to have the Sam Maguire, and that's not here. There's nobody more disappointed than this group of players.

"I really hope that this could be a moment that they can latch on to that will make them stronger, more resilient, and bring them to a point where they are in a better position than they were yesterday afternoon in terms of going into a big game and taking on a big team."

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"We're very disappointed, more than anything, for you people, particularly all these young children across the front here that are the future of Donegal football on the male and the female sides.

"But there will be brighter days, the rain will stop and the sun will shine, and I know for a fact that Donegal will be back here someday with the Sam Maguire Cup," he said, addressing the crowd.

"I hope in my heart of hearts, that day is not too long away, and I hope that everybody on this stage will be part of that and enjoy that moment.

"We have had a fantastic journey over the last two years, back-to-back Ulster Champions and they were really special to us ]when we got into Pettigo and Donegal Town.

"And as I say, please God, we will be back here again to celebrate a big, big night together."

Donegal captain Patrick McBrearty told the crowd that the turnout was a “big boost”.

He said: “They are a terrific group of lads, they deserve an All-Ireland, some of us are lucky to have one but I have no doubt there will be a lot of lads on the stage here that will end up with an All-Ireland. They need to get back on the horse now.

“They are role-models, if you want to grow up and be like someone, be like these guys on and off the field.”

Donegal County Council organised the homecoming in association with Four Masters GAA club, featuring Onoir, Darren Boot, Stephen Bennett, The Stinging Rogers, the Encore homecoming choir and piper Christy Murray, with Rory O’Donnell on MC duty.

“I know this is an emotional time for everyone,” Mary Coughlan, Cathaoirleach of the Donegal County Board, said: “At the end of the day it is important we are here to support the team we believe in. Eighteen months ago, we didn’t think we’d be on a stage here in Donegal. We are resilient. I know the boys are given out. They have given their all. It has been a fabulous journey, and thank you to all the supporters and the sponsors who have been here for the last two years.”

“Tonight they’re feeling a bit down, but we’ll lift them,” Paul Canning, Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach, said. “On behalf of you all, I want to give a big thank you for the excitement, the colour and the belief that they put back in this county.”

Donegal Town Mayor Anna Gallagher added: “Friends, neighbours and most of all the team. Yesterday did not go as we dreamed, and yes, it’s a heartbreak, and we had every reason to believe. From the first throw-in in the league to the final whistle in Croke Park, this team is on a journey, and we were delighted to be part of that journey. You were the dream that made the dreams for so many. The togetherness and the pride still belong to Donegal.”

As is often the case in victory and in defeat, Daniel O’Donnell, before a rendition of Home to Donegal, was given the final word.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to Jim and everyone up here. This is probably the last place you want to be, but I just want to thank you for giving us the chance to thank you. You have no idea the joy you have given us all year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If pride were able to be measured, it wouldn’t fit in here tonight. Rest assured, we’ll be back supporting you again next year.”