Paddy McBrearty delivers honest assessment of Donegal's Ulster final win
On Saturday, McBrearty spearheaded his team to consecutive Ulster SFC titles with a nail-biting extra-time win over Armagh by a single point at Clones.
Ascending the steps of the Gerry Arthurs Stand, he lifted the Anglo Celt Cup amidst the roars of thousands of Donegal supporters who flooded the pitch to partake in the festivities.
The Donegal faithful are surely dreaming of McBrearty climbing another set of steps to hoist an even grander trophy later in the summer.
Yet, to conquer that summit, McBrearty admits they must sharpen their ability to seal victories when ahead, having allowed Armagh to erase a seven-point lead before Oisin Conaty's last-gasp leveller pushed the game into extra-time, reports Belfast Live.
"That was serious. . . in the last minute of normal time, we should have had it in the bag," McBrearty reflected.
"It wasn't an easy changing room to go into, but, jeez, thank God a couple of breaks went our way there in extra-time and we got over the line.
"But there's easier ways to win games, and that's probably the next step for us - that's something we're going to have to look at, because we were seven points up.
"We let them back into it through our own mistakes, I felt, especially in our own kick-outs. We weren't winning our kick-outs well. There's a lot of things we can work on."
When queried about what was said by Jim McGuinness in the Donegal dressing room after normal time, McBrearty responded: "I wouldn't repeat it. You couldn't print what was said in there, to be honest!".
Whatever was uttered behind closed doors in the Donegal dressing room seemed to do the trick as, despite trailing twice in extra-time, the reigning champions managed to edge past Kieran McGeeney's side with Niall O'Donnell's point proving decisive.
Armagh departed Clones without the provincial title and haven't clinched Ulster since 2008, but their impressive Championship record remains unbroken with Tyrone being the last team to defeat the Orchard County in normal time during the group stages in 2023.
"They (Armagh) are a serious team, and there's nothing between the teams,"said McBrearty.
"That was Ulster football at its finest. It has been four matches and we've only beaten them once in normal time, so they are a serious, serious outfit.
"Even when we were seven up, we wanted to push harder because we knew that we needed a larger lead - we always anticipated their comeback.
"I have to say, there wasa couple of yearsthere we didn't win anything, especially from 2019 to 2024, so we're delighted
"When these days come, you can't let them go past you."
After securing Ulster last season, Donegal were tipped as potential dark horses for the Sam Maguire, but they were defeated 1-14 to 0-15 by Galway in the semi-final.
Donegal, with another Ulster crown secured, are shaping up to be serious challengers for the All-Ireland title one year on.
Entering the All-Ireland series in a similar fashion to last year, their inaugural match is a home game against Tyrone in Ballybofey, followed by an away game versus Cavan and a neutral venue face-off against Mayo in the rest of the Group One bouts.
Last season witnessed Donegal needing extra time to take down Tyrone in the Ulster semi-final, yet when they clashed during the group phase at MacCumhaill Park, Donegal triumphed with a seven-point margin over the Red Hands.
Tyrone, now steered by Malachy O'Rourke, narrowly missed out on a win against Armagh in Clones earlier this month, having been ahead of the reigning All-Ireland champions by two points towards the end of the provincial semi-final.
Despite Jim McGuinness's flawless record in Championship games against Tyrone, McBrearty is aware of their eagerness for redemption in the All-Ireland series.
"We'll take the learnings from the game - obviously, there's big things to work on," the Donegal captain remarked.
"Listen, Tyrone probably should have beat Armagh. You know, they had it in the bag, really, with a minute to go. They're going to be top opposition as well for us."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
FAI Cup: Luke Dennison the hero as holders Drogheda United knock Derry City out on penalties
FAI Cup: Derry City 1 (Duffy 73) Drogheda United 1 (Quinn 2) (Drogheda win 3-0 on penalties) Luke Dennison proved the hero for Drogheda United in an emphatic penalty shootout victory over 10-man Derry City at Brandywell as the FAI Cup holders progressed to the quarter-finals. The American goalkeeper saved twice from Jamie Stott and Danny Mullen while Adam Frizzell fired over the bar as the Boynesiders won 3-0 on penalties with Owen Lambe dispatching the winning spotkick. It is one win in the last six games in all competitions for Derry with Tiernan Lynch's first season in charge threatening to fizzle out. READ MORE Six-times winners Derry were out to avenge last year's FAI Cup final defeat to the Co Louth men found themselves behind after two minutes. Andrew Quinn, who scored the first goal in that 2-0 cup final victory at the Aviva Stadium last November, broke the deadlock for the Boynesiders after just two minutes. Swansea City loanee Josh Thomas did brilliantly to cut the ball back into the defender's path after a quickly worked free-kick and Quinn sidefooted it into the net at the near post. It was a disastrous start for Derry and it could have been a lot worse but for Brian Maher's heroics when producing a stunning save to deny Ryan Brennan's close range effort on the hour mark. Five minutes later Duffy produced a moment of magic to send the game into extra-time with his ninth FAI Cup goal for his hometown club and his ninth of the season. Luke Dennison denied Ronan Boyce's point-blank header with an instinctive save during stoppage time in the first half of extra-time. Derry skipper Mark Connolly had the ball in the back of the Drogheda net late on but referee Rob Harvery ruled his header out for a foul on Conor Keeley in the build-up. Ben Doherty was shown a straight red card in stoppage time at the end of extra-time for dissent after Duffy felt he should have had a penalty kick. The match was to be decided on penalties and Dennison saved twice before Lambe fired home the winner emphatically to send the holders through. Drogheda got off to the perfect start and silenced the Brandywell attendance with the opening goal after two minutes. From a quickly taken free-kick, Welshman Thomas raced past Adam O'Reilly and got to the byline before cutting it back to Quinn who sidefooted home. Moments later Thomas raced onto on tong ball over the top and got beyond Derry's last man but his strike on the half-volley from 25 yards went wide of the post. It was a sluggish start from the Candystripes and they were fortunate not to be further punished when skipper Mark Connolly gifted Warren Davis possession deep inside the Derry half. He drove towards goal before finding Markey in support but the midfielder's strike from the edge of the box sailed over. The home side finally carved open space in the resolute Drogs' defence on 18 minutes when Gavin Whyte dipped his shoulder, turned James Bolger before firing a shot goalwards and straight into the hands of Luke Dennison. Moments later Derry had claims for a penalty kick. Duffy found Fleming just inside the penalty area and the former Hull City wingback went down under the challenge of Owen Lambe but referee Rob Harvey was unimpressed and play continued. The Brandywell outfit were warming to the task and when Akinyemi dropped deep to receive the ball outside a crowded penalty area, the Londoner sidestepped Conor Keeley before his powerful strike was turned over the crossbar by Dennison. Diallo dragged a shot wide of the target before Winchester tried his luck from distance but the home crowd were becoming increasingly frustrated. Thomas once again almost capitalised on a misplaced pass from Diallo in the middle of the park but Connolly recovered well to stop his run on the edge of the Derry box. The Derry team were booed off at the break and needed a big second half to salvage their cup hopes and indeed, their season which threatened to fall apart. It was Drogheda who came closest to adding a second when Keeley's effort at the back post was turned behind at his near post by Brian Maher on 56 minutes. Derry boss Lynch went to his bench and made four substitutions in an attempt to swing the game in his favour as Liam Boyce, Danny Mullen, Ronan Boyce and Ben Doherty entered the fray. Ronan Boyce crossed into a crowded penalty area and Liam Boyce chested the ball into the path of Akinyemi but Quinn did brilliantly to deny the striker a shot on goal. It broke to Winchester but his close range strike was deflected behind for a corner. Liam Boyce was making a positive impact and when he turned neatly on to his right foot and curled towards goal on 64 minutes, Dennison acrobatically tipped it over the bar. Maher kept Derry in the game with a stunning reactionary save to deny Brennan's goalbound header from Markey's free-kick with 20 minutes to go. Derry were back on level terms in emphatic fashion on 73 minutes and it was talisman Duffy with a stunning strike to beat Dennison. O'Reilly found Mullen on the right wing and the Scotsman picked out Duffy in space on the edge of the 18 yard box. The Derry man turned on to his left foot and drilled his strike into the roof of the net. It was his ninth of the season and arguably his most important this season. With 60 seconds to go Derry were pressing for a winner but this time Duffy's left footed strike from distance went harmlessly over the bar. Derry were in the ascendancy as the tie entered extra time and Mullen tested Dennison with a thunderous strike from 25 yards but the Drogs' keeper punched it clear. Drogheda sub Fuhad Kareem barged Sam Todd out of the way before taking down a long punt upfield but the striker fired high and wide to waste a promising attack. Dennison somehow saved from point-blank range to deny Ronan Boyce's header from Duffy's cross in added time at the end of the first half of extra-time. Connolly wheeled away to celebrate what he felt was the winner in front of the North Stand but referee Rob Harvey penalised the Derry skipper for a foul on Keeley before heading Ben Doherty's corner into the net. John O'Sullivan had a great chance to win it deep into stoppage time but curled his shot wide of the far post. There was controversy in the dying moments of extra-time when Duffy went down inside the box but the match referee waved play on. The Derry players were remonstrating with the official and Doherty received a straight red card for dissent to the annoyance of the home crowd. The tie was to be decided on penalties and it was American stopper Dennison who proved the hero, saving from Jamie Stott and Mullen while Adam Frizzell fired high over the crossbar. Drogheda were clinical with Keeley and Thomas Ulowa sending Maher the wrong way before Lambe fired home the winner as the cup holders progressed to the last eight. Derry City: Maher; O'Reilly, Bannon (Doherty 59), Connolly, Stott, Fleming (R. Boyce 59); Diallo (L. Boyce 59, Todd 102), Winchester; Whyte (Mullen 59), Duffy; Akinyemi (Frizzell 93). Drogheda United: Dennison; Lambe, Kane (Cruise 98), Quinn, Keeley, Bolger (Cooper 71), Brennan (O'Sullivan 97), Farrell (Heeney 65); Markey, Davis (Kareem 94), Thomas (Oluwa 71). Referee: Robert Harvey (Dublin).
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Concern for Meath GAA man tipped for All Star after nasty looking injury
There was concern this evening for Meath defender Sean Rafferty after he was forced out of club championship action. The Na Fianna man was down for a long spell in the second half of his side's 0-12 to 0-12 Round 1 group game draw with Simonstown at Pairc Tailteann. Rafferty received extensive treatment for what appeared to be a calf or achilles injury and limped out of the action i in a worrying development for Meath and Na Fianna fans. The Royal County man made a huge impact in his first full season of inter-county football this year and is being widely tipped to pick up an All Star. Meath boss Robbie Brennan will be hoping the injury isn't too serious, but at the very least Rafferty looks to be in a race against time to make the final round group game against Championship favourites Wolfe Tones in a fortnight. Na Fianna salvaged a draw at the death with former Meath forward Jamie Queeney fisting an equaliser in the last play after Simonstown goalkeeper Robbier Berlingham looked to have won it with a two point free into the breeze. The hooter went off before Na Fianna had taken a sideline kick, but this is allowed under the new rules. Simonstown will be sick at losing possession after going ahead and at the sideline ball. Meath are operating a system this year where the clock and hooter is in operation at Pairc Tailteann for Championship games but not at over venues. With a second lengthy injury delay in the second half of the game, it took 43 minutes to get it played off. A draw against Wolfe Tones should be enough for Na Fianna to qualify for the quarter-finals after they drew their opening round game with Donaghmore Ashbourne. Rafferty was the hero that day slotting the equaliser after the hooter, while he also scored another point and set up a goal, carrying his fine county form into the club scene. In the curtain raiser Wolfe Tones backed up an 10 point first round win over Simonstown with a nine point victory over Donaghmore Ashbourne on a scoreline of 3-15 to 0-15. Elsewhere in Meath Senior Championship action, Skryne made it two wins out of two, defeating Gaeil Colmcille on a scoreline of 1-19 to 1-11, while Ballinabrackey got off the mark with a 1-19 to 1-10 win over St. Colmcilles.
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Blarney turn on second-half style to roar into Senior A contention
Cork SAHC: Blarney 3-24 Watergrasshill 0-12 Blarney entered this Cork SAHC encounter at risk of elimination. They left it with a significant boost to their score difference after a dominant second-half showing against the wind at Grenagh. Approaching half-time, they were anything but safe. They led Watergrasshill by two, having played with a strong diagonal breeze, but finished with a 1-2 burst as Cian Barrett punished a dropped puck-out. The conditions brought no benefit to the Hill after the break. Blarney broke down their long puck-outs and held them scoreless from play for the entire half. Mark Coleman was everywhere, accumulating 0-9 (three from play), while Cathal McCarthy poached two goals for a 2-3 total. The second half finished 2-11 to 0-3 in their favour. Watergrasshill's Adam Murphy tries to get away from Blarney's Stephen Mullane, during their Senior 'A' HC clash at Grenagh. Picture: David Keane. A win against Courcey Rovers would guarantee Blarney's progress. Having seen their 10-game winning streak snapped, the Hill require an upset against Bride Rovers to escape this group of death. Adam Murphy put in a major shift in the first half for the All-Ireland intermediate champions. He got off 11 shots into the tricky wind, converting eight. That included five excellent points from play. However, he lacked support. Seán Desmond's point was their only other from play. Amid a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning in the distance, Blarney slowly established an upper hand in the opening quarter to build a five-point gap. Coleman had an early pair from play, while wing-backs Alan McEvoy and Conor Power, wearing 2 and 3 on their backs, came forward to score. Aiden Foley bravely saved a Cian Barrett goal chance and absorbed a loose pull to prevent a rebound. The Hill sideline were unhappy with a couple more frees as Shane Barrett tapped two momentum-builders over from close range. Watergrasshill's best period of play followed. Murphy clipped four of the next five points, including a fabulous score from the sideline where he juggled the sliotar back over his head to escape a tackle. Leading 0-11 to 0-9, Blarney brought Shane Barrett out to centre-forward and he flashed over a low-trajectory point before Eoghan Kirby's second. Then, in the second added minute, Denis McSweeney robbed a puck-out to the left wing and fed McCarthy, who handpassed to Cian Barrett for the tap-in finish. 1-13 to 0-9 at half-time. Both teams were missing big talents in Dáire O'Leary and Pádraig Power, but in Cian Barrett and Conor Power, Blarney had a couple more players coming right after their first-round loss. On the other side, Kevin O'Neill manfully kept tabs on Shane Barrett, but was visibly hampered from midway through the first half, while Desmond took a heavy blow later on. A Murphy free from the throw-in opened the second-half scoring, but his side wouldn't raise another flag until the 50th minute. They withdrew the full-forward line to target the long puck-outs which worked to such good effect against Courceys. But Stephen Mullane and Patrick Crowley kept bringing the ball to ground and gobbling up the supply. Blarney reeled off 1-5 without reply, including a crisply-struck Coleman brace from distance. Substitute Jerry Murphy made a quick impact, laying on McCarthy's first goal, finished with a deft sidestep, and tapping over his first of two points. The Hill had converted just one of seven shots at the posts in the half until goalkeeper Foley landed a long-range free. But Paul Hallissey saved from Murphy, and Blarney hit another 1-5 without reply, including McSweeney's third and 1-1 for McCarthy. The goal arrived in the first added minute after Cathal Hegarty turned over possession. Coleman even went for goal from a late 21-yard free to build the score-difference cushion. Foley saved, but the Corkman slotted the 65. The 2023 and '24 runners-up are back up and running. Scorers for Blarney: C McCarthy (2-3); M Coleman (0-9, 4 frees, 2 65s); C Barrett (1-0); D McSweeney, S Barrett (2 frees) (0-3 each); E Kirby, J Murphy (0-2 each); A McEvoy, C Power (0-1 each). Scorers for Watergrasshill: A Murphy (0-9, 4 frees); A Foley (free), S O'Regan (65), S Desmond (0-1 each). BLARNEY: P Hallissey; S Mullane, S Crowley, D Murphy; C Power, P Crowley, A McEvoy; O Hegarty, M Coleman; S Mulcahy, D McSweeney, E Kirby; C McCarthy, S Barrett, C Barrett. Subs: J Murphy for Kirby (43), C Hegarty for C Barrett (52), D Hanlon for Mullane (53), W Crowley for McSweeney (55). WATERGRASSHILL: A Foley; D Roche, K O'Neill, D McCarthy; J Gowen, I O'Callaghan, S O'Regan; C O'Leary, A Spriggs; P Cronin, B Lehane, L Foley; A Murphy, S Desmond (capt), P O'Leary. Subs: A Cronin for L Foley (h-t), C Healy for Gowen, C Cronin for P Cronin, R Loftus for P O'Leary (all 43), L Foley for O'Neill (60, inj). Referee: I McCarthy (Bandon).
