Man of the match Daniel McGinty happy to play anywhere

It’s not often a corner-back is in the running or man of the match, but on Sunday in the U-21A final between Four Masters and Glenswilly, Daniel McGinty put his hand up very early.

His two interventions to cut out dangerous Glenswilly attacks caught the eye in the opening half and then when Four Masters went three points in arrears in the second half, the bearded corner-back drove  forward to hit the target and kick-start a comeback which saw the Donegal Town boys run out three point winners in the game of the year.

“It’s a great win. Look, the talent we have coming through at the club right now. This is the first time we have shown it. It is just unreal,” said McGinty after receiving his memento to mark his award.

Daniel wouldn’t be known for his scoring stats, probably known better as one of those sticky defenders who knows that getting to the ball first and handing it on to the forwards is his main role.

Indeed, he says that the point in the final was his first in quite a while.

“Definitely not, I wouldn’t be known as one of the scorers. I think that was my first score between the minors last year, the school and the U-21s. It is probably the first score I got in two years,” laughs McGinty.

But he revels in doing his job in defence and is really enjoying that.

“Defending wins games really, doesn’t it. And then we have six incredible backs there, six unreal defenders. I’d say any one of them could have got man of the match there today.”

McGinty also complemented  his team members, especially captain Conor Reid, who shipped a huge knock before half-time but carried on.

“It was some hit. But it wouldn’t put a flinch on him. He seems alright now.”

Last week McGinty was part of the Abbey VS team that topped their group in the MacRory Cup and next weekend he will be full-back for the Four Masters minors as they defend their Ulster Minor club title in Belfast against Scotstown.

“We have the school and we have the minors in Ulster as well. It has been busy. Thankfully this is over in the county now.

“We’re usually playing for two teams every year for the past few years anyway so we’re well used to it at this stage.”

It has been a busy time for the club with the U-16s in action on Saturday evening also, going down to Magherafelt in Dromore in the Paul McGirr competition.

“Even the U-16s, I know Magherafelt were strong, but on a different day. They are a good team too.”

McGinty was goalkeeper for the minors last year but now is  more happy in the full-back line with Lewis McCaughan taking over between the posts. McCaughan was on schools duty with Ulster on Friday and Saturday but was home to take his place for Four Masters on Sunday and McGinty was happy with that.

“You can throw me in anywhere, goalkeeper, full-back, corner-back. I wouldn’t be much of a ‘keeper any more, a wee bit rusty between the sticks. The full-back line is the place for me, I’d say.

“Yeah, Lewis was up at the college interprovincials. He’s a good ‘keeper and he made the Ulster team. We’re happy to have him back today.

“I would probably have been in goals then and I don’t know how the game would have went then,” laughs McGinty.