McShea's Say: Future is bright for this Coming of Age Four Masters club

The wonderful Four Masters underage success story continued recently when the Donegal Town boys won back-to-back underage Ulster minor club championship titles last week.  

This outstanding achievement emulated what Killybegs achieved in the early 1980s and I believe that both those teams had much in common.  

To win at a provincial level in any grade is a very difficult task, as the opposition is provided by the top teams in the nine Ulster counties. 

No one can question the fortitude or excellence of a team that wins back-to-back provincial honours, and I would be optimistic in believing that several of this Four Masters team could emulate the outstanding achievements of that Killybegs side.  

In winning their respective Ulster titles, no one involved with both Four Masters and Killybegs would pretend that they reinvented the game of football or that they outwitted their opponents tactically, but they did play with an incredibly high tempo and with real quality.  

The excellence of the sides was never in tactical sophistication. Football is a simple game and always will be (even with the advent of the new rules), but the management of both Ulster winning teams was clearly very adept at spotting the strengths and weaknesses of a player and what they wanted from him.  

Too much instruction can often inhibit a player, and young footballers need to play with clear minds and avoid over-elaboration.

Looking back at that Killybegs team they won five Donegal senior championships in the late 80s and throughout the 90s, their longevity was only matched by their class as footballers, and their underage success was undoubtedly the catalyst for their future success.  

In their teens, it was clear to those who knew them that not only would a number of them play for Donegal, but with the right application and guidance, they had the potential to do so for a very long time. And it proved.  

On that never-to-be-forgotten day in September 1992 when Donegal won that first All-Ireland, four from the great Killybegs underage teams of the 80s were in the Croke Park dressing room. 

Manus Boyle hit nine wonderful scores in that final. He had vision, balance, and two great feet, and was a deserving man of the Match on the day.  

Barry McGowan, who I would rate as one of Donegal’s greatest footballers, was a special talent, and he practiced with a relentless application that most less gifted players would contemplate. 

Barry Cunningham showcased his ability in that final when he owned midfield in the second half and his composure, creativity, and passing skill was a major factor in Donegal’s success.  

John Cunningham was a leader with an outstanding competitive spirit, and John was described by former Meath player Colm O’Rourke once as the toughest defender he had ever played against, which is the ultimate compliment.  

In football today, much of the talk is about sports science, analytics, and data. There has been a huge shift in technology and a modern approach towards leadership. It will not be easy to have the spirit that prevailed in the 80s in the modern environment. But this young Donegal Town side has survived many tests of character on their way to back-to-back Ulster success.  

Their character or resolve came true when it was needed most. Masters have a talented squad with Kevin Muldoon being one of their most talented operators. Eoin O Neill, who won the Player of the Tournament, alongside team captain Callum McCrea are excellent defenders, while Conor McCaul and the Carr brothers Tomas and Turlough have the potential to play football at the top level.  

One attribute that all those young players will require in abundance is patience. Sometimes if the breakthrough isn’t immediate in present society, it can be easier to walk away because of many other options in life available.  

Also, on the pitch, having the composure and forbearance to bide one’s time especially as a forward is most important.  

In Donegal, we have not had significant success at underage level over the years despite the excellent work of many coaches in every club in the county, so it is most encouraging to see Four Masters excel, not only at minor level but across every underage grade.  

If they do go on to emulate Killybegs’ achievements of the past it will augur very well for the future of Donegal football.