Donegal’s super sub Niall O’Donnell: ‘I didn’t want to have any regrets’

Jim McGuinness's side clinched victory in a memorable Ulster decider on Saturday.

Tue, 13 May, 2025 - 07:38

Maurice Brosnan

Niall O’Donnell has been there before. Not last year, when Donegal and Armagh met in another epic Ulster final. He was thinking about the 2022 decider as he kicked the winner in Clones last Saturday.

The Donegal substitute was introduced at the start of extra-time and kicked two points from three shots to secure back-to-back Ulster titles. O’Donnell starred in the 2024 final but in the 2022 final against Derry, he also came on in extra-time.

“I had little to no impact in the game,” he said, speaking outside a raucous Donegal dressing room in Clones.

“I felt that was my first time playing extra-time and I saw how quick it goes by, that 10 minutes, do you know what I mean? A point or two can swing it.

“So I felt that I was fresh, I had a lot of momentum in me. I wanted to get out in the field and I didn't want to have any regrets when I came in.” Donegal made five changes during normal time. Their finish was sloppy, though. Three of those substitutions missed with late shots. Jamie Brennan kicked a wide. Jason McGee was blocked down. Aaron Doherty dropped an effort short.

All three were replaced before the two additional ten-minute periods. Odhran McFadden Ferry and O’Donnell came in and Ciaran Moore returned to eventually score a crucial goal.

“It is unbelievable because when you are not used in the five subs, you don't think you're going to get your chance. Typically, that's it.

“Not all games go to extra-time but I knew as soon as it went to extra-time that I had to get myself right. I knew I was going to have a part, so straight away when I went to extra time I knew I was going to play then.

“It was easier for me knowing I was going to be playing so I just had to get my head right because you know in normal time you're thinking how are you going to get on? Are you not going to get on and they're going to call you?

“Obviously they didn't and then it went to extra-time. I am just glad that I got a chance thankfully.”

It helped that it had been a hectic match. The toll was considerable. Numerous players were already floored.

“For me coming on there was more pockets than what there was in normal time to be honest. If you got past your man it was very hard for them to catch you because they were cramping as well.” At that stage, the 2022 Derry defeat was in his head. O’Donnell’s first shot was a wide on his left. He then produced a corker on his right before finishing the tie with a left-footed score.

“It is a very similar scenario. It was a very hot day back then as well, so I suppose my mindset was that it is extra-time and I felt I wanted to get the best out of myself.

“In that extra-time I had no shots or nothing so I felt this time 'I need to get on the ball, I need to make things work' and thankfully it helped.”