James Horan: What does Finbarr Roarty's departure mean for Donegal's All-Ireland chances?

Finnbarr Roarty of Donegal reacts to a missed goal chance against Mayo. Picture: INPHO/James Lawlor

There is an obvious comparison. Their style, their athleticism, their Young Footballer of the Year awards, Finnbarr Roarty’s move to the AFL felt strikingly similar to Oisín Mullin.

Mullin has become a key player, playing 68 games for Geelong since he made the move at the end of 2022. James Horan was the Mayo manager that season.

“It is very seismic news,” he said, speaking on the Irish Examiner’s Gaelic Football Podcast.

“Another Young Footballer of the Year gone to Australia. For Jim, he’d have known this for a while now. He would have come to terms with it. He probably worked with Finnbarr to make sure it’s as good as possible for him as a player.

Oisin Mullin of the Cats handballs whilst being tackled by Lachie Schultz of the Magpies. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“I had the same with Oisín. There were a few other interested parties. When you hear it first, the first reaction is selfish, I would say. You are looking at the team you are involved in and trying to make them as good as you can. 

You’d love all your best players to be playing.

“When you step back and think through it, a young fella and an opportunity of a lifetime to play professional sport. He has the athleticism and talent, the attitude to succeed.

“After reflection, you can only wish them well and try to do everything you can as a manager to help them on their way. That might be working with the family, the club or the county board to make sure that everything is smooth. It is a huge deal for a young player. Finnbarr has been involved since he was 17. He has been there a couple of years and had amazing success.”  

Fitting farewell

When the Mullin news first broke, it was days before his club Kilmaine were due to play in an intermediate semi-final. Roarty will play for Naomh Conaill as they face St Eunan's on Sunday in the Donegal SFC decider.

ROARING SUCCESS: Naomh Conaill's Finnbarr Roarty soaks in the moment after their dramatic Donegal SFC final win over Gaoth Dobhair last season. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

“We worked with Oisín. Any player who has ever played with him will say it, he is so talented. That is one aspect. He is a brilliant fella around the place. You saw it when he scored his first goal, the way his team-mates reacted. He is a huge character. In every way, he is a huge asset to any team he is with,” said Horan.

There was huge shock, but every one of the players when we went through it, they were disappointed for the team but delighted for Oisín.” 

What does this mean for Donegal? It is a blow, for sure. Horan believes they can still overcome it.

“How do you know there isn’t another young player or a 23-year-old on the panel over the last few years that just might step up? As a manager, that is your job. Keep the mood positive, keep trying to look at younger players that might just be ready to go now; they can come on and do a huge job. Of course it is a shock. I wouldn’t say it significantly reduces Donegal’s chances.”