Jimmy’s boys home but ‘really, really hurt’

All-Ireland losing Donegal players were given a hero’s welcome home last night after crossing the border into the county at Pettigo.

Several hundred fans greeted them at the remote border village when they arrived at 7.20pm. In Donegal town, thousands led by singer Daniel O’Donnell cheered them onto the platform in the town-centre Diamond area.

The minor team, who lost to Dublin, made their first stop in captain Niall Harley’s home town Ballyshannon.

Seniot team manager Jim McGuinness told of the team’s hurt at losing.

He said: “It’s a very difficult evening for us but I would like to thank everybody for coming out tonight, and for coming out the whole summer to support the team.

“Sunday evening was very disappointing for the players and the management team.

“We’re really, really hurting if we are going to be honest with you. We would be lying if we didn’t say it does really hurt. It does really, really hurt.”

The huge crowd shouted reminders that Donegal seniors were in two All-Ireland finals in three years and won one and lost the other. They were also cheering that for the first time a Donegal minor team was in an All-Ireland final.