'It shouldn't happen. I was giving my daughter a hug at the time' - McGuinness on Clones chaos

Donegal manager hails his side's depth of character and insists provincial championships are in a good place but admits post-match fracas 'shouldn't be in the game'

FINGER-POINTING: Tempers flare after the final whistle between Donegal Manager Jim McGuinness and Aidan Forker of Armagh. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

They found a way. For Jim McGuinness, that was the ultimate triumph. His side showed huge character to come back from a poor finish in normal time to eventually clinch the Anglo Celt Cup.

Armagh lost out in a dramatic Ulster final for the third year in a row. Donegal were unable to see it out in normal time but found way after two additional periods, with Niall O’Donnell’s final point proving the winner.

"That's where your training comes in,” said McGuinness post-match.

“That is every night. It's everything you do. It's everything you do away from the training. All of those moments are going to come to the surface at some stage and that's what we were talking about in our huddle at half time and extra time.

“’We've a lot of work done, lads. You know, we've a lot of work done. We can't let this slip because we've been so dedicated to this thing for the last number of months.’ So I'm sure Armagh were saying exactly the same thing. But these are the conversations you have to find with yourself because you have to find something.” 

WHAT A FEELING: Donegal manager Jim McGuinness celebrates with Michael Langan, left, and Odhran McFadden Ferry, after the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Armagh and Donegal at St Tiernach's Park in Clones, Monaghan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

It was a thrilling contest. A crowd of 28,788 were captivated throughout.

“For me, the Ulster Championship and the Munster Hurling Championship are just on a par. They bring so much. They ignite so much within people. It's crazy. But at the same time, there'll be a serious game in Croke Park tomorrow. The Connacht Final was seriously competitive.

“Listen, I think the provincials are in a good place. I think there's a lot of people, for whatever reason, talking them down or had been talking them down. But maybe that narrative will change on the back of this season because that was a serious competition in all provinces this year. And for us, we're just thankful. We're delighted.”

Huge fight at the end of the Ulster final. Ugly way for a great game to finish. pic.twitter.com/eZyT68ePac

— Maurice Brosnan (@m_brosnan) May 10, 2025

 
After the conclusion, a scuffle broke out on the pitch involving members of both squads.

“I don't have a perspective on that,” said McGuinness when asked. “It is not nice to see. It shouldn't happen. I was giving my daughter a hug at the time. I didn't see what happened, but no, it shouldn't be in the game.” 

Meanwhile, Kieran McGeeney was left frustrated by a late refereeing decision.

“The less said about the rub of the green in our sport, the better," he said. “Unless it comes from me, nobody ever does (say it). When Ross McQuillan won the kick-out, how he didn't get a free kick is beyond comprehension. It is hard to fathom, it really is.” 

The All-Ireland champions will now join Galway, Dublin and Derry in Group 4. Donegal will face Mayo, Tyrone and Cavan.

“As far as I know, we've been in the Group of Death for the last three years,” said McGeeney. “So what's new?

“It is a tough one. Derry are playing well by all accounts in the challenge games, and Dublin are Dublin, and Galway are probably one of the best teams in the country at the minute, but there is no easy ones left.”