Five-time All-Ireland winner Marc Ó Sé has praised Donegal manager Jim McGuinness for the remarkable turnaround of the team in the past two seasons. As Donegal prepares to face Kerry in the All-Ireland SFC final on Sunday at Croke Park—marking their first final appearance in 11 years—Ó Sé commended McGuinness for his innovative coaching methods and the strong rapport he has established with his players.
According to Ó Sé, McGuinness’s ability to motivate and inspire players has been pivotal in Donegal’s resurgence, particularly contrasting their previous struggles under former manager Paddy Carr. He noted, “Just look at where Donegal were two years ago… all of a sudden, they get to an All-Ireland semi-final last year, you’ve Michael Murphy back in the fold, they’re in an All-Ireland final now this year. It’s been incredible what he’s achieved in this short space of time.”
Ó Sé highlighted the importance of players like Finbarr Roarty, who has emerged as a key performer, recently earning the title of man of the match. The manager’s efforts in developing talent have kept the team playing at an impressive level, with many players reaching their peak performance.
He concluded by acknowledging the serious challenges that Kerry will face against McGuinness and his team, noting, “He has the magic dust up there… we know he’s a serious manager.”
This final presents an exciting opportunity for Donegal to reclaim the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 2012, showcasing the potential for continued growth and success under McGuinness’s leadership. There is a growing sense of optimism around the team, with fans hopeful that they can leave a lasting mark on this season’s championship.