McShea’s Say: Donegal and Jim McGuinness bringing the good times back

Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision. 

They must have the skill and the will but the will must be stronger than the skill. That, I believe, may come close to describing Donegal’s incredible performance in beating Armagh in what was quite an epic Ulster final in Clones on Sunday. 

In winning Ulster for the eleventh time, we have had some very memorable days at this wonderful venue. 

But the display of skill and guts on this occasion will live in the memory of the 28,000 fans lucky enough to get a ticket for a very long time. 

In a match of extreme intensity, with extra time which could not separate two sides playing with a burning desire for success, it was a shame that penalties yet again came into play to decide the outcome of what was a wonderful occasion. 

Penalties should never have been introduced to decide the outcome of any game of football. And no team has suffered as much as Armagh since penalties were introduced. 

It is my hope that during his tenure Jarlath Burns, the Armagh man and current GAA president, will put an end to what is a dreadful way of winning or losing any game of football sooner rather than later. 

This should not in any way detract from the true grit that Donegal played with throughout this epic. 

This final was won even though several of our team’s big players struggled to find their best form. But their desire was never in doubt and every Donegal fan was proud of the battling qualities shown by the team. 

The transformation in Donegal’s footballing fortunes in the last year is quite incredible, but not a coincidence. There was an immediate feel-good factor when news of Jim McGuinness’ return as manager was announced. 

The expectation was that Donegal’s profile would improve over the next few years but no one in the county expected league promotion, and an Ulster title inside twelve months. 

And in beating Derry, Tyrone, and Armagh on their way to bringing the Anglo Celt Cup down the road on Sunday night, no one could question the credentials of this squad of players or their management team. 

While there is little room for sympathy in football and every team goes out to win, it is a well-documented fact that Jim McGuinness’ attention to detail is legendary. 

The selection of the five players to take the penalties was an inspired choice, but no doubt the quality displayed in rattling the Armagh net was well honed at training in the build-up to the final. 

The confident body language of the “Donegal Five “was remarkable and the quality that they dispatched their kicks with was equally remarkable. 

It was also a major bonus to have Shaun Patton guarding the Donegal net, and he is such a talented keeper that there was confidence in his ability to make that crucial save when it was so badly needed. 

Since I first saw Oisin Gallen play I was aware that Donegal were fortunate to have a special talent at their disposal. 

He has made fast-track progress at this level of football and he played a leading role in this captivating sporting thriller on Sunday. 

Even though Armagh were very aware of Oisin’s ability they had to change his marker early in the match, as he punished the slightest hint of indecision and hesitancy in the Armagh defence scoring six wonderful points. 

His ‘man of the match’ award was a fitting reward for a wonderful performance. Watching Donegal Captain Patrick McBrearty raise the Anglo Celt Cup over his head in Clones ended a period of misery and disillusionment in the most glorious way imaginable. 

This was a Sunday to beat all days, a Sunday that banished all memories of the not-too-distant past. 

In winning a contest laced with passion and many intriguing personal duels Donegal did battle feverishly to win this game and to their credit Armagh strove heroically for their first Ulster title since 2008.

At a stage in the second half on Sunday when Armagh were leading by four points Donegal seemed to be in serious trouble. 

But the intensity of the confrontation between two fierce rivals, who knew each other’s game so intimately was gripping and the self-belief of this young Donegal side was a joy to watch. 

Now the people of our county stand prouder than ever, ecstatically happy in the knowledge that Donegal is the home of the best team in Ulster. 

For that, we are grateful to Jim, his fellow mentors and officials and his great squad for an outstanding achievement.