Ó Gallchóir 'still hurting' from last year's U-20 Ulster final defeat

A narrow defeat can often be the catalyst for a surge to victory on the next occasion.

For, while Donegal’s teak tough defender Cathal ‘Rua’ Ó Gallchóir is looking no further than the challenge of Fermanagh at The Scarvey on March 18, the memory of last year’s Ulster final defeat to Tyrone in extra-time burns deep.

The Brinaleck man hit a cracking goal in that epic affair, but that is a small consolation for the eventual outcome.

This is his second year on a very young team, and he has another year to go.

Reflecting on last year’s narrow defeat to the All-Ireland champions, Ó Gallchóir said he watched the game recently, and it was still as difficult a watch.

“With five minutes to go in normal time, we were a point up, and they had a ball brought forward for a breach, and they got the point to level it, and that was disappointing.

“That drew the game, and then they got three two-pointers in extra time as we sat back.

“Those were killers, but we stuck to the game plan and got a goal in the second period of extra time, and we took it back to a point, but they pulled away.”

But while the Gaoth Dobhair clubman is very much focused on Fermanagh and the remaining games in the group stages, the memory of that bitter defeat remains a huge motivator.

“They went on to win the All-Ireland, and we know how close we were, and that will be a big positive for us.”

Donegal take on Fermanagh on March 18, a team they beat in Brewster Park, who were under manager Maurice McLaughlin, by 1-18 to 1-8.

“We pulled away in the second half, and they got a good goal early on, but we stuck to the game plan and carried it through.”

But this is a Donegal team, teeming with talent.

“We have a few coming through from last year’s minor team as well.

Asked if there is an Ulster title in this squad, Ó Gallchóir has not even a scintilla of doubt.

READ NEXT: Here's how Donegal have fared so far in 2026 in Dr McKenna Cup and League

“After our experience from last year, I have no doubt but that we have a squad capable of taking an Ulster title.

“Last year, we had a very young team, and we have around twenty of last year’s squad still available, which is a huge boost to us.

“And, many of this squad are already key players in their clubs.

“That kind of experience is priceless because our lads are a year older and a year stronger, and playing senior football is yet another step up, which really brings players on.

“And when you talk about competition for the first 26 place, there is pretty strong competition to be in the top 40.

“There is a lot of young talent in the county at the minute,” said the Construction Management student in UU.

And Ó Gallchóir has been seeing some competitive action in recent weeks as he was on the Freshers A team, which won the All-Ireland League and just lost out to University of Galway by one point.

“But for now, I am really looking forward to the Fermanagh match.”