Donegal win, 'better than last year' – McGuinness

Mark McHugh and Patrick McBrearty celebrate with the Anglo Celt

IF EVIDENCE was required as to the size of a project Donegal 2012 is, then you only had to listen to the extensive list of people who manager Jim McGuinness thanked from the stage at their homecoming in Donegal Town last Sunday evening.

Rory Gallagher, Maxi Curran, Pat Shovelin, Adam Speer, Eugene Ivors, Michael McMenamin, Joseph McCloskey, Gavin Ward, Charles McGuinness, Mr Kevin Moran and Dr Charlie McManus, physio Dermot Simpson, JD McGrenra and Donal Reid the physical therapists, Charlie Molloy and Paul Coyle. That’s 16 names, not including the manager himself.

Between them, alongside the players, they helped to create another piece of history by bringing the Anglo-Celt back to Tir Chonnail country for two consecutive years, the first time it had ever happened.

Speaking down to the masses of Donegal football followers whose wildest footballing dreams he has helped turn into a reality, McGuinness admitted that it was one of those magical moments which only sport, and in particular the GAA, can deliver.

“It feels great. It was a great homecoming and the support for the boys has been unbelievable really. It is probably better than last year and the players have said that.

“It is very special. It’s a great achievement by the players. The work they have put in was reflected in the performance. That gives a great sense of wholeness almost, to be associated with them. Hopefully that will be reflected in Croke Park.”

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday July 26. Buy your copy now in your local newsagent, or you can purchase the online version – for only 90p – by clicking here