Caolan McGonagle: New belief the key as Donegal win Ulster

Caolan McGonagle savoured Ulster success on Sunday – tasting extra special having played in a winning final for the first time.

The Buncrana man didn't play in the 2018 or 2019 finals, which Donegal won, and he featured in the 2020 and 2022 finals, Donegal losing to Cavan and Derry.

McGonagle played the full game on Sunday as Donegal eked over the line against Armagh in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

“It's just elation, especially after last year,” McGonagle said.

“The two I had won before, I wasn't on the pitch on those days. The last two I played in, I've been on the wrong end of so it's just relief really.

“It means such a lot to us all. We went out in the first round last year and we didn't win many games.”

Donegal found themselves 0-13 to 0-9 down at a key point in the second half when a point by Niall O'Donnell helped stem the flow.

Last year, Donegal exited Ulster's race at the first hurdle, beaten by Down in Newry. It seemed as if their days at the big dances were over. Until, that was, the return of McGuinness.

McGonagle said: It's just belief. It's an Ulster final and you're never, ever going to give up.

“We have the work in the legs. The adrenaline from the crowd helped take us over the line.

“A couple of times we were nearly out of it, but credit to the boys they came back.”

McGonagle hailed his nerveless team-mates who went forward to take responsibility in the shoot-out – especially Aaron Doherty, who scored twice.

McGonagle said: “I put my name forward, but I would be well down the pecking order.

“Credit to them all, they showed some nerve, Aaron Doherty going up twice and Shaun coming through when we needed him. The boys practice their kicks every night, but you can't replicate that pressure.”

The carcasses of Derry, Tyrone and Armagh were all on the blade of Donegal's sword. The Anglo Celt was certainly earned, but now Tyrone await again in the group phase.

McGonagle said: “As players, you like to see the games coming at you. We're going in as Ulster champions – and that was a tough one to win. They don't come much harder than that.”