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21 Oct 2025

McShea’s Say: Donegal’s Ulster win over Armagh was pure footballing theatre 

To their credit, even in defeat, Armagh once again played exceptionally well and on this display, they will surely have a major say in the destiny of Sam Maguire before July is out

McShea’s Say: Donegal’s Ulster win over Armagh was pure footballing theatre 

Jim McGuinness and Kieran McGeeney after Saturday's epic clash

The image of Niall O’Donnell’s winning point in last Saturday’s epic Ulster final win against Armagh will be etched deep into every Donegal fan’s consciousness - everyone will remember where they were during that iconic moment on the 10th of May, 2025.

The affection this band of brothers will command will last forever. I was lucky enough to play in Ulster finals for Donegal, and winning our first Ulster title was a very special occasion. But Saturday night in Clones ranks right up there with the wonderful memories that have evolved in St. Tiernach’s Park over many years.

Both Armagh and Donegal deserve great credit for their pure drive, physical resilience, and the ability to repeat high-intensity effort - an ability that was unparalleled. 

This was a final that had everything, it was pure theatre. To their credit, even in defeat, Armagh once again played exceptionally well. On this display, they will surely have a major say in the destiny of Sam Maguire before July is out.

Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day, but with the game not starting until 5:25 p.m., the players had a long wait. While the weather was idyllic, Clones was both the best and worst place to be. For players, a late throw-in means doing anything to kill time. If they win, they likely won’t be around for a few days; if they lose, they’ll just want to disappear for a break.

Winning last year’s All-Ireland - as Armagh did - means reaching the pinnacle. But it’s a very different process trying to do it again. You now have a frame of comparison. You know how it felt to be the best side in the country, but you're not sure if the same hunger or will exists to hold onto your title.

Donegal, as Ulster champions, also had to wrestle with the question: did they have the appetite not just to retain the most coveted crown in provincial football, but to go one better and relieve Armagh of Sam? After watching this epic, I’m quite sure that few - if any - teams will be eager to face either of last Saturday’s sides in the current campaign.

Once again, Michael Murphy was superb for Donegal, earning the Man of the Match award. Michael’s relentless drive and desire to be the best were well documented before he retired two years ago.

 At the time, I received a call from Darragh Ó Sé, the legendary Kerry midfielder, asking me to pass on his congratulations to Michael for his outstanding career. 

Darragh had played with Michael in Australia and told me that he was one of the best footballers he ever had the honour of playing alongside - praise indeed for an exceptional talent.

Since rejoining the Donegal panel, Michael’s consistency has been unbelievable. He’s the catalyst for raising the standards across the squad, and he was incredible against Armagh.

This was a display of true grit and courage from Donegal. After twice enjoying a seven-point lead, Armagh came back and even went in front during injury time. Young Ciaran Moore’s goal was a brilliant score, superbly set up by Michael Langan, while Oisín Gallen hit four excellent points in the first half, though he seemed to pick up a knock early in the second half.

Donegal had twelve different players on the scoreboard in this final - a reassuring statistic and a hugely positive development. In the searing Clones heat, and with the game lasting ninety minutes due to extra time, it was no surprise to see players from both sides struggling with cramp late in the game.

The buzzword in the modern game is “the group,” and both the Donegal and Armagh panels deserve thanks for providing an epic that will live forever in the memories of both sets of fans. 

A game of such incredible quality can only happen if the referee also has a good match. Brendan Cawley, the Kildare man in the middle, used great common sense on Saturday night. He wasn’t whistle-happy, and he made a positive contribution to a fantastic occasion.

Manager Jim McGuinness has a remarkable record in Ulster championship football, and all of Donegal will be hoping that his championship legacy continues to grow before the end of July.

Sympathies

It was with deep regret that I learned of the death of Mary McGlynn on Thursday last. Mary was a much-loved and respected member of the Bundoran community. To her husband Philip, son Philip John, brother Brian McEniff, and the extended McGlynn and McEniff families, we extend our sincerest sympathy.

We also mourn the passing of Mary McNelis of Ballyshannon and Ardara. One of Ballyshannon’s oldest residents, Mary passed away over the weekend. 

She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday. As the proprietor of the Millstone Hotel, Mary enjoyed great health until recent weeks. She lived a full and happy life, and we extend our sympathy to her son Herman and her much-loved grandchildren.

May they rest in peace.

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