‘16th man’ debacle took a real toll, admits former assistant secretary Collins 

Former Donegal CCC assistant secretary Darren Collins admits he’d have loved to have held onto the brief for 2026. 

The Sean MacCumhaills man lost his position to Sharon McGinty, Glenswilly, last Wednesday night in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey on a narrow 89/82 vote. 

Speaking soon after, outside the Finn Suite, Collins said that while the role was certainly a demanding one, he had hoped to retain it.  

“It was probably one of the most enjoyable and most difficult 12 months given the fact it was my first year in county administration,” he told DonegalLive. 

“Being part of the Donegal executive in a season where they held onto their Ulster title and made an All-Ireland final, that’s as busy as it gets. 

“The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make these things possible is incredible and the fundraising and work required is massive.

“Naturally, I was deeply disappointed not to be staying on. I had a strong desire to implement meaningful change across the county, to modernise processes, improve communication, and make things work better for clubs and players. 

“Throughout my tenure, I feel I made a conscious effort to listen to club secretaries and heed their advice. 

“Their insights shaped how fixtures were scheduled, how communication was handled, and how challenges were approached. 

“To step away from that now, without seeing those changes fully realised, is frustrating, because I genuinely believe they would have made a tangible difference for everyone involved.”

Pressed on the difficulties he previously mentioned, Collins pinpointed the controversy that marred Termon’s huge SFC upset over the then reigning champions St Eunan’s. 

“Obviously, ‘the 16th man issue’ was the biggest of them all. It consumed an enormous amount of time and energy, and it wasn’t just a CCC problem.

“It affected clubs, referees, and the wider county perception. It made national headlines too. Managing that situation required calm, patience, and professionalism.”

And, he explains, it could and would have been an even bigger headache but for the magnanimous manner in which St Eunan’s, in the end, opted not to challenge the final result.

The Letterkenny outfit lost by a point to Termon but considered an appeal on the basis that their opponents had 16 players on the field when they got their leveller near the end of extra-time.

“The St Eunan’s executive must have been under enormous pressure during this period, but they handled the entire situation with real class. 

“That helped keep a very difficult situation on track and allowed the focus to remain on football.”

Interestingly, Collins says clubs should ignore any external advice or direction offered that isn’t coming from the relevant GAA channels if ever such a situation, or one similar, arises in the future. 

“Following the issue, it was made clear that only appointed officials are authorised to handle substitutions and sub slips. 

“This ensures accountability and removes any ambiguity during matches. These measures protect the integrity of the game and maintain trust among clubs, referees, and officials.”

He added: “There is a growing trend of wannabe legal advisors offering opinions and advice to clubs over disciplinary matters,” he said. 

“While clubs may feel the need for guidance, unqualified or external interference can complicate situations, delay decisions, and undermine the proper structures we have in place. 

“Clubs need to rely on the GAA’s established channels, which exist to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.”

Collins thanked chairperson Mary Coughlan as well as the likes of secretary Mary Kelly for their assistance throughout the year. 

“Mary Coughlan has set an extraordinary standard for every future head of Donegal GAA. 

Her calm, fair, and respectful approach, especially in the most challenging of times, embodies exactly what this organisation needs. 

“Whenever a problem arose, she was on the phone immediately; when something needed to be done, she acted decisively. 

“That drive, that clarity of purpose, is rare. In an association of our size in Donegal, the unifying force she brings, the ability to steady, inspire, and guide people through complexity, is nothing short of priceless.

“The association has great people working behind the scenes. The likes of Mary Kelly helped me immensely throughout the year. 

“That kind of support makes all the difference in challenging times.”

Before he left Jackson’s Hotel, Collins says he fully intends to remain involved in GAA administration but, for the moment, he’ll be taking some time out. 

“I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, but I’ll be taking a well-earned break until the new year. After that, we’ll see. 

“My commitment to Donegal GAA and to supporting clubs hasn’t changed.”