26-07-2025
County legend warns Donegal about the part of Kerry's game they must keep in check during All-Ireland Final
It was a significant success for the north-west side and since then McShea has played a prominent part in helping to promote football within the county.
Right now, though, he is on edge ahead of Donegal's meeting with Kerry in the All-Ireland Senior Championship final at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon (3.30pm).
McShea, who has watched the current Donegal side lift back to back Ulster titles over the course of the past two seasons, is particularly keen to see the team take delivery of 'Sam' conscious that the trophy has not rested in the county since 2012.
And while he believes the current side can test Kerry to the full, he is hugely aware that the Kingdom's track record in the competition is such that they will go into the game as warm favourites.
That, however, does not deflect the popular McShea from holding onto the belief that his beloved Donegal could come good on this particular occasion.
'Obviously Kerry have some very big guns in their side and they will pose a huge threat to us no matter how you look at it,' points out McShea.
'I think the important thing is that Donegal hit the ground running and keep the pressure on if they can. Kerry have established a tradition of winning All-Ireland Finals and their players know what will be expected from them on this occasion.'
As a polished full-back, McShea grew accustomed to thwarting opposition sides when he was at his peak and he sees several Donegal players in this light going into tomorrow's match.
'We have players like Micheal Murphy, Ryan McHugh, Brendan McCole, Paddy McBrearty, Michael Langan and others who have given outstanding service to the county and it would be great to see the side lift the trophy,' smiles McShea,
'This is a huge challenge for Donegal but I still think that they can rise to the occasion. They will certainly have plenty of backing from thousands of their followers.'
