‘Jelly legs’ Finnbarr Roarty says Donegal simply pushed through the pain barrier

Finnbarr Roarty took the aftermath of Saturday evening’s epic Ulster SFC final win over Armagh completely in his stride.

Outside the dressing rooms, the number of youngsters looking to get their photograph taken with the Glenties teenager was in the dozens.

But Donegal’s latest footballing protégé stood longer than most to make sure every last one was accommodated.

Speaking as he signed jersey after jersey, he admitted his first experience of Ulster final day at Clones was something he’ll never forget.

“It’s just amazing - it’s a serious feeling. To play in front of a crowd like that, in a game like that, it’s something that will stick with me.

“When the final whistle went, and so many Donegal people, all friends and family, just invaded the field, it was crazy. I’ve never experienced anything like it in my life.”

Last season’s well-documented false start at this level for the Naomh Conaill clubman drew plenty of attention, but broad shoulders carried that disappointment.

He says he simply parked it, stayed patient, and took his chance when the following January came around.

“I was just keen to put the head down and push as hard as I can. It’s such a step up that it’s kind of a shock to the system.

“The speed of it, the physicality, and just the competitive nature of the entire group. But the lads have all been great with me, and I’ve loved every single moment of it so far.”

Roarty says last week’s U-20 Ulster final loss to Tyrone - a game that also went to extra time - still stings.

But, he explains, he’s just glad he had the chance to bounce back with Jim McGuinness’ senior outfit in such a short space of time.

“The U-20 loss was a terrible feeling. It’s still hard to come to terms with. But I’m just really fortunate that this came around so quickly, and the fact we came out on the right end of it was brilliant.

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“We pushed so hard in Owenbeg. We were all so gutted but this is lovely this evening.”

Roarty admits that 90 pulsating minutes at St Tiernach’s Park had taken their toll, and that the gas tank was running on empty in those frantic final moments.

Still, he - along with Stephen McMenamin - was one of the two Donegal players somehow navigating a complete onslaught of Orchard men, as their side fended off that desperate attention late on to finally kill the clock.

“How are the legs? What legs?! They are like pure jelly! We were out on our feet, but we just pushed on. That’s always the message at training - ‘push through it’.

“I don’t even know what the craic is with the All-Ireland series now. I’ll just show up the next night and I’m sure we’ll regroup and see exactly what’s in front of us.”