Michael Langan proud to follow ‘Big Neil’ by helping lift Corn Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh

Michael Lagan says there is a picture of a bandaged-up Neil Gallagher with the Division 1 trophy in the halls of the Donegal GAA Centre in Convoy. 

It could probably be described as lonely hung as, across the way, Anthony Molloy has Michael Murphy for company in relation to All-Ireland triumphs. 

READ NEXT: How the Donegal players rated in their league final win over Kerry 

Well, the decorators have a job to do this week as Langan and Shane O’Donnell’s hoisting of the Corn Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh goes up alongside the Glenswilly legend back at base. 

Lagan was again superb at the weekend as he launched 0-6 in Donegal’s superb win over Kerry at Croke Park. 

He picked up another Player of the Match gong in the process before he and joint captain O’Donnell helped lift the NFL Division 1 title on the steps of the Hogan Stand. 

He’s certainly leading by example in the role and he explains there are plenty of other strong voices inside the Donegal changing room to share that same load. 

“It’s something different,” he said on those duties. “Patrick McBrearty’s shoes are big ones to fill. 

“But between the two of us, myself and Shane, we’re also able to lean on the likes of Michael Murphy and Ryan McHugh who have real experience. 

“It was a huge honour for us to go up those steps and the dynamic with Shasne in that joint role is lovely. 

“Not too many people get to climb the steps in Croke Park and lift a national title for Donegal. There is a photo of Neil Gallagher in Convoy lifting that same cup. 

“So it’s great now we’ve added a second one here today”. 

Donegal travelled to Jones Road last weekend on red alert after a ten-point pummelling from Kerry last July in the All-Ireland final. 

But no one could have expected Jim McGuinness’ side to deal with the Kingdom in the ruthless fashion they did. 

At one stage, they raced 21 points clear as three goals in as many minutes, from Conor O’Donnell, Murphy and Caolan McGonagle left, it 1-4 to 3-19 on 55 minutes. 

In the end, Donegal crossed the line with 13 to spare in a dominant showing that will have served serious notice ahead of the All-Ireland series. 

“There were loads of positives there,” Langan added. “I mean the goals probably put a flattering scoreline on it.

“But look, we're happy with the performance out there. We probably had a bit of fire in the belly”.

Donegal hammered the hammer around the middle third and flipped the tables on Kerry by dominating the knockout battle. 

It was a platform Jack O’Connor’s side used so well in last season’s All-Ireland final but this time, Donegal was the team setting the agenda around the middle third.  

“Yeah, midfield is obviously huge out there, especially with the ball going long and the kick-outs.

“A lot of the time now, as you said there, it gives you a platform to get balling and go on and attack and win games. And yeah, we've done that well today. So we’re very happy.

“We have enjoyed the campaign. It was very fruitful for us. You know, the same as the McKenna Cup was earlier on.

“We blooded a lot of players. And we worked on a lot of different things there. So, look, we're delighted with how the campaign went.

“And then, to top it off here with a win in Croke Park, I think it's our first Division 1 title since 2007. So, yeah, that's lovely”.

Langan was also ful of praise for the Donegal youngsters, especially Max Campbell, who not only shut down Seanie O’Shea at one end, but also registered three points up the other.  

“Max was really good. And, you know, he had a job there in Seanie O'Shea. He got it to the letter of the law. And he kicked a couple of points from what I remember. 

“And, look, the lads that have come in, they've been quality. And they've added a real energy, which is important. As you said there, we're missing a lot of lads.

“We've got a lot of lads to come back. Daire Ó Baoill, Ciaran Moore, Ciaran Thompson has to come back. Oisin Gallen and Shaun Patton as well.

“But, look, that's a good squad. You need depth now. And, yeah, we need that coming into the summer. 

“I think that space of a month between the end of the league and the start of Ulster gives you the chance to really go at the league right to the end.  

“So, look, this is nice but the attention will have turned to Down now later in the week. And we're looking forward to that”.