McShea's Say: Clones is the spiritual home Of Ulster football

I don’t think my initiation into sport was any different to many others.  

I have asked several people interested in sports how they were initiated, and it is often the childhood memory of their father bringing them to a game, or how much it meant that their father watched them play.  

At some time in my childhood, a switch was flicked inside me, giving light to an idea. Giving light to the lifelong presence of sport in my consciousness.  

Going to Clones as a child with my father showed me that football was so stunningly wonderful. It was not to be imagined. Our selective memories remember those great days, the sunshine, the good sandwiches, the laughter, the camaraderie, and watching the great feats of brilliant footballers.  

And in those years, Donegal were not involved. The big four in Ulster back then were Down, Cavan, Derry, and Tyrone. Going to Clones then forged a sense of togetherness, shared purpose, and friendship which has become an indelible part of my life, and I am looking forward to Donegal playing Armagh this Sunday as much as ever.  

I was very fortunate to experience the joy of playing in Ulster finals in Clones for my county, and to the lads who will have the honour of wearing our green and gold jersey this weekend, it will be an experience that they will never forget.  

Having tasted defeat to Down in Casement Park in an Ulster final I always felt that Clones was unique with an atmosphere, all on its own, and no doubt Sunday will deliver that same special atmosphere.  

Sunday sees Donegal play Armagh for the fourth time in recent months and there was very little between the teams in the last two games. One draw and a one-point victory for Donegal is indicative of how well-matched both teams are.  

Neither team excelled in their semi-finals. Armagh were put to the pin of their collar to see off Down, while Donegal were not at their best in struggling to overcome Tyrone in extra-time.  

Manager Jim McGuinness is clearly demanding more from his players than results. Success is the bottom line, but that success must be embroidered with flair and fluency as Donegal prepares to bring the Anglo Celt back to the county.  

Donegal’s play this season has been fast-moving, adventurous, and expansive, and the ability to defend in numbers is also very much in evidence. It is hard to beat the winning habit that is Jim’s mantra, and he is very aware that losing games knocks a team back.  

Armagh have been looking forward to this Ulster final since the draw was made. The perception being that they were in the easier half of the championship draw. But there is no easy draw in the province, and Armagh are there on merit.  

Winning promotion was a major achievement for Donegal and getting to the Ulster final is a major plus after the well-documented difficulties of the previous 12 months. But finals are for winning, and even when Donegal were struggling against Tyrone, Donegal’s spirit was their most evident quality.  

No doubt this quality will be required in abundance in Clones. It is a fact that the championship is very different from league football. It doesn’t matter who the opposition is, people up the ante when it comes to the championship, they tend to get new zeal that wasn’t there in the league.  

Donegal’s clinical demolition job on Derry will count for little this Sunday, while their lethargic first half against Tyrone will not suffice this weekend either.  

Sunday’s game will be a hard-hitting affair, but then again what Ulster final isn’t? So again, discipline will be paramount. Donegal needs to understand that it is in their own interest to support the referee, bitterness over a harsh decision might well linger in a player’s mind, but it is less dangerous to his team’s success than seeing a teammate get himself sent off.  

I am confident of a Donegal victory. Because we have a very athletic and skillful team. Shaun Patton is one of the game's top goalkeepers, and his deliveries are exceptional.  

Ryan McHugh is the best available version of a rugby scrum-half - reliable and inspirational. Peadar Mogan and Brendan McCole are both playing quality football, while Mark Curran and Ciarán Moore are studious, undemonstrative defenders.  

All we want from Jason McGee is more of the same, while Oisin Gallen and Ciarán Thompson, because of their natural instinct to attack and hit quality frees from both sides of the park is critical.  

I hope to see a great crowd in Donegal on Sunday night, but before that, there is much work to do.