THIS wasn’t merely a game of football. This was an unbelievable life experience in the old market town of Clones on Saturday evening – and one that Peadar Mogan tried to live to its fullest.

Regardless of the number of pitch invasions we’ve seen at St Tiernach’s Park over the years, each one feels distinct and evokes a sense of emotion that no other region can match.

It was the same euphoric sea of green and yellow at the foot of the Gerry Arthurs stand a year ago, and yet different, as

Donegal

regained consecutive Ulster titles, edging past an exceptionally valiant opponent

Armagh

the team that has been looking for their first Anglo-Celt since 2008.


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Armagh’s Kieran McGeeney laments a last-minute referee decision as Donegal deliver yet another Ulster championship finals defeat.

Discovering holiness at the entrance of the tunnel far removed from the ecstatic crowds beyond the barriers just a short distance away, Mogan was capturing mental images.

“When you’re standing in the tunnel and looking at the crowd out there, it truly is something remarkable,” stated the player from St Naul’s club.

It really strikes you when you’re standing up there and Paddy McBrearty is hoisting the trophy, and you look out.

It’s incredible. I’m genuinely excited about crossing the cup over the border at Pettico and entering Donegal Town, as I visited there in 2011 and 2012. Hopefully, this will inspire some children to aspire to wear the Donegal jersey, strive for success, and experience similar memorable moments.



All the action from the Ulster final

So many players were playing from memory in extra-time as this thrilling provincial final ebbed and flowed.

Another penalty shoot-out loomed for these two modern-day Ulster rivals when Armagh’s Ethan Rafferty landed a stupendous two-pointer from a free to level the game in the dying embers.

But up popped substitute Niall O’Donnell to convert an 88th minute winner for the defending champions before the Donegal players engaged in one of the most nerve-shredding passages of keep-ball before the hooter sounded.

Once it finally arrived, Daire O’Baoill struck the ball into the stands with all the enthusiasm he could gather.

Donegal were champions again and Armagh runners-up for the third time in row.

“We were really disappointed coming in at full-time – the last two attacks we completely butchered them,” Mogan said.

“We just needed to rally. I suppose it’s been well documented throughout the last few weeks about our panel depth.

Eoin McHugh entered the field and secured two fantastic turnovers, while Niall O’Donnell joined shortly after and essentially clinched victory for our team. I’m utterly thrilled.

I cannot stress enough how important Eoin McHugh’s two turnovers were and Daire O’Baoill’s effort — and when you’re watching from the stands, children might think, ‘Those are the things I need to do to make it as a Donegal player.’

It’s not always about clearing the ball over the crossbar; rather, it’s these instances, these turnovers. Difficult as it may be to describe, they’re what leads to championships and motivates young players.



Donegal player ratings



Armagh player ratings

Mogan, an instructor at Deele College, mentioned that days like Saturday will be etched deeply into the memories of the younger generation.

I’ve observed this phenomenon in schools during the past couple of years; students have gotten deeply involved, eager to discuss the games and anticipate upcoming events.

“Obviously Jim [McGuinness] coming back helped and players coming back. We just want to be a team that the kids can resonate with.

“This is just a brilliant province and every game is amazing. I can’t wait to walk over the bridge and bring the cup home.”