McGuinness: I never contemplated losing final

The biggest cheer at Croke Park yesterday was reserved for victorious manager Jim McGuinness, who was hailed by Michael Murphy as the man who brought Sam Maguire back to Donegal after a 20-year absence.

When McGuinness took over as Donegal manager, they were at a low ebb - a 2-14 to 0-11 All-Ireland first round qualifier defeat to Armagh was gnawing at a group of frustrated players.