McShea’s Say: Finnbarr Roarty deserves to pick up YFOTY and an outright All-Star

A feature of Naomh Conaill’s SFC title win was their incredible ability to claw victory from the jaws of defeat in their quarter-final.

This is a very special quality for any team to possess, but eventually this late, late act will see them run out of road, no matter what resilience or heart a team contains. 

The Ulster club championship is arguably the hardest provincial campaign to win. A look at the quality of some very good championship-winning teams in Donegal, some of whom did not survive the opening game in Ulster, is evidence of how difficult it is to become winners in the province. 

But Glenties will not be in any way fazed by their task this weekend. They will be very aware of what is required after their experience representing the county on several occasions in recent years. 

But I believe that while Cavan at inter-county level have disappointed in the last few years, club football in the county is of a very good standard. 

This will be a step up for Naomh Conaill as the pace will be greater, tackling will be tougher and as the quality improves, then quality players will undoubtedly be missed. 

I do hope that Ciaran Thompson’s unavailability because of the injury he picked up in the All-Ireland will not be a factor in the outcome of this game. 

It will require a top-class display from Naomh Conaill to prevail, but if any team in Donegal have the potential to deliver at this level, it is this Glenties team. 

In what has the look of a tight struggle, I do believe that the Donegal champions can win a very close game. 

It will also be a special weekend for Glenties’ ace Finnbarr Roarty. He is in contention for an All-Star award and is also nominated for the Young Player of the Year award. 

I do hope that history does not repeat itself as far as Donegal players in the past are concerned when it comes to the outcome of the selectors’ decisions. 

Back in 2010, Michael Murphy was also nominated for both an All-Star and Young Footballer of Year. 

In 2014, Ryan McHugh found himself in the same situation as Finnbarr and Michael. And while both picked up the Young Player gong, neither Donegal man got the outright All-Star that they clearly deserved. 

I hope in Finnbarr’s case that history doesn’t repeat itself on Friday night. While winning the Young Player of the Year award is a very special achievement, it is not the achievement that winning the All-Star is.

And we all know how fickle football can be. A quick look at Donegal’s league fixtures is a very clear indication that reaching the heady heights that were achieved this year will be a very challenging objective in 2026.

‘Nudie’ Hughes 

It was with great regret that I learned of the death of Eugene ‘Nudie’ Hughes on Monday. Nudie was a very good friend, and it was always a special pleasure to spend time in his company.

Eugene was of slight physique and early in a very distinguished career, it was felt that playing for Castleblaney was going to be a bit of a stretch. 

But thanks to a fierce determination, an abundance of skill, and his great love for football ‘Nudie’ rose to the top of the Gaelic football world. 

Always in the thick of the action, where the struggle was at its most intense. ‘Nudie’ helped ‘Blaney and Monaghan to a golden period of success. 

He achieved the unique distinction of winning two All-Star awards, one at corner back and the other at corner forward.  

After he retired from playing for Monaghan, He took to golf like a duck to water. He was an excellent golfer and the determination which he displayed in his beloved white Monaghan jersey made him a very tough opponent on the golf course. 

‘Nudie’ was big-hearted and quotable, he had a wonderful sense of humour, and he was one of the key organisers of the Ulster GAA legends golf, a competition that has generated €70,000 for many charitable organisations in recent years. 

‘Nudie’ dealt with his illness with remarkable courage. I last met him in Croke Park earlier this year when I had my son Shane with me. 

On hearing of ‘Nudie’s’ death on Monday, Shane rang me. He had enjoyed his time in ‘Nudie’s’ company very much. Shane said to me that ‘Nudie’ was just a lovely man.

That was a perfect description of a very likeable character, who will be greatly missed. To his family I extend my sincere sympathy.

Good luck 

Finally, I want to wish my grandson Josh Cullen and his Republic of Ireland teammates the best of luck at the U-17 World Cup that takes place in Qatar. 

They open against Panama today with further group encounters against Uzbekistan and Paraguay to come.