McGuinness tells Donegal to ‘grasp the nettle’ against Kerry as they prepare for their All-Ireland final clash this Sunday, with the Donegal boss encouraging his players to embrace the challenge, enjoy the moment, and show their true colours on the biggest stage in Gaelic football.
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Donegal’s Journey Back to the Final
Jim McGuinness, who led Donegal to All-Ireland glory in 2012, has guided the team back to the final in his second stint as manager. After winning back-to-back Ulster titles and playing ten games in this year’s championship, losing only once to Tyrone, Donegal now faces a huge test against Kerry, who are aiming for their 39th senior title.
McGuinness Encourages His Players to Embrace the Occasion
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, McGuinness emphasised that Croke Park on All-Ireland final day is exactly where every player wants to be. He urged his team to “grasp the nettle,” to go after the game with confidence, and to take the positives from their journey so far. McGuinness wants his players to enjoy the occasion without being overwhelmed, ensuring they play with freedom while recognising the significance of the moment.
Facing a Strong Kerry Side
Donegal will enter the final as underdogs, with Kerry finding their form at the right time despite a surprise group-stage loss to Meath. The Kingdom’s star forward, David Clifford, has been outstanding in the knockout stages, scoring 4-23 against Cavan, Armagh, and Tyrone, which has Kerry fans hopeful as they travel to Dublin.
Dealing with Kerry’s Threats
When asked how Donegal plans to handle Kerry’s many threats, McGuinness acknowledged the challenge, noting Kerry’s talent, confidence, and familiarity with Croke Park. He highlighted that meeting the famous green and gold jersey on such a big day will be a significant test for Donegal’s players but believes it is a huge opportunity for them and the county.
The Importance of Resilience
McGuinness stressed that Donegal’s ability to respond in tough moments will be crucial against Kerry. He pointed to previous games where his team came from behind, including against Armagh last year, and emphasised that staying composed during Kerry’s inevitable strong spells will be key to success. For McGuinness, a team’s ability to keep digging in, even when under pressure, is one of its most important qualities.
Final Preparations and Gratitude for the Opportunity
Reflecting on Donegal’s busy schedule due to their early loss to Tyrone, McGuinness noted that the team has welcomed the breathing space before the semi-final and now the final. He shared that having time to coach, rest, and prepare has been valuable, and he is grateful that the players will get to experience an All-Ireland final. However, he added that Donegal’s goal is to make the most of this opportunity and ensure their appearance in the final counts.
