Rory Gallagher happy to answer Donegal call

It was on October’s first Friday last year the Donegal panel each received a simultaneous text message that thanked them for their service and wished them all the best for their future — both individually and collectively.

It was from Jim McGuinness, who also informed his players his four-year term as manager would be just that. He was stepping aside from his position, concluding his participation in Donegal’s golden age that saw the county team win the All-Ireland championship and three Ulster titles.

Having just missed out on capturing Sam Maguire for the third time just two weeks’ beforehand — following a 2-9 to 0-12 loss to Kerry at Croke Park — there was a lingering sense of emptiness echoing about the north-west.