Jim painted a picture and it's worked out exactly how he described - McFadden Ferry

In a different time and place, Odhran McFadden Ferry is sitting at a ramshackled old bar in Toowoomba, watching Saturday’s epic drama at Clones unfold.

Where? Toowoomba – it’s a small, dusty Australian outback town where he somehow found himself stationed as a wind turbine technician in the last few years.

But after witnessing Donegal’s heartbreaking All-Ireland semi-final loss to Galway last summer from a vantage point in the top tier of the Hogan Stand, a return flight already booked for Down Under was cancelled.

And having gotten back up to speed in Convoy over the winter, the Gaoth Dobhair man – also back amongst the ranks of the 28th Infantry Battalion at Finner Camp – says Saturday’s Ulster SFC win over Armagh was something to really savour.

“That really is as sweet as it gets,” he told Donegallive. “The last time I was in this position was back in 2019.

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“A little like Finnbarr Roarty, I found myself in the team and starting for Donegal. It was never something I took for granted, but as you get older, and fast-forwarding five or six seasons, this feels so good.

“That’s my third medal, and the gap in between – it’s great to experience this again.”

McFadden Ferry says Donegal were on the ropes in extra-time, and that Ciaran Moore’s three-pointer, which took them from one down to two in front, was huge.

And while Ethan Rafferty did square it with a two-pointer free, Niall O’Donnell stepped up to kick a dramatic winner and make sure the Anglo Celt stays put in the Hills.

“It was a huge lift, and for Ciaran to come back on there, he gave us a huge lift of energy. It was a huge moment in the game.

“I know they squared it again, but Ciaran’s goal, I felt, gave us a real shot of adrenaline just when it was most needed.”

McFadden Ferry says had he not taken in that semi-final loss to the Tribesmen in person, he might not have had the change of heart he eventually did and could easily have again watched his former teammates taste glory from the other side of the world.

“This time last year, I was in a pair of work boots in a bar in Toowoomba watching the final with my mates Joe McFadden and Cathal Gillespie, so it really is hard to believe I’m back in here.

“So many of those same lads would have stayed up into the wee hours in Oz to watch this. They were all texting me good luck.

“They often told me I should be at home winning medals with Donegal, so this one was for them.

“Jim came to me last year, painted a picture, and how he described that… this is exactly how it’s worked out.”