There were dark days after All-Ireland final but we’re now moving on - Hugh McFadden

Hugh McFadden says Donegal are moving into the new 2026 season refocused, recharged and, thanks to an influx of some exciting new talent, re-energised. 

The Killybegs man admits it was easy to dwell on Donegal’s disappointing All-Ireland loss to Kerry, sitting idle during the off-season. 

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But ever since the group got back together, they’ve been itching to get back to competitive action. 

Last weekend’s false start, when the cold snap accounted for their scheduled opener against Derry in Letterkenny, prolonged that wait. 

But Jim McGuinness’ side finally got back down to competitive action on Sunday with a fine 1-15 to 0-7 win over Antrim in Cargin.  

In an experimental starting XV, the Donegal debutants were Ultan Doherty, Kieran Gallagher, Max Campbell and Shea Malone from Naomh Conaill, Paul O'Hare of Naomh Columba and Four Masters duo Turlough Carr and Conor McCahill.

And with the likes of another Donegal Town native, Kevin Muldoon, Cormac Gallagher from Termon and St Eunan’s Eoin McGeehin all coming into the action as well, it was a very productive afternoon for the winners. 

McFadden says it was difficult avoid stewing in the aftermath of that 1-26 to 0-19 defeat to the Kingdom at Croke Park back in July. 

However, a competitive return to action means Donegal can now finally begin to look forward instead of back.

“It was a long winter,” McFadden conceded. “There were a lot of dark days since the All-Ireland final. We just have to put that to the back of the mind now and move on to what hopefully will be an exciting 2026”. 

McGuinness was able to dish out ten debuts over the hour and it’s fair to say that despite the conditions, they all acquitted themselves well. 

And while it was a poor enough Saffron effort, McFadden says it was an experience that will stand them well as bigger hurdles now loom on the horizon. 

Donegal tackle Derry in the McKenna Cup semi-final on Wednesday night away from home while on Saturday week, it’s a NFL opener with Dublin at Croke Park. 

“They are a talented bunch and it’s going to be good now to see how they push on at this level. It’s making me feel a little old if I’m being honest. 

“One of the lads that came on there, Conor McCahill, I had taught him in fifth class at Killymard National School! 

“Seriously though, it brings a freshness and an energy to it. As well as being very talented, they are great lads and really eager to learn”.