Rugby star Shane Williams had been asking all week why Donegal had been named the coolest place on the planet to visit in 2017.
Last night as sleet lashed his face and temperatures touched what felt like -10 degrees in Convoy, he found his answer.
The Welsh rugby wizard was the star attraction as county champions Glenswilly faced St Mary’s of Convoy in a challenge game as part of upcoming The Toughest Trade television show produced by AIB.
Williams has spent a week in the Glen honing his GAA skills after spending the first few days tuning his ear to the local accent.
In a few short weeks, Glenswilly’s most famous export, Michael Murphy, will fly to France to train with Clermont Auvergne.
Williams is his country’s all-time leading try-scorer and a quick reference of his name on You Tube shows any number of amazing scores against any number of international teams.
So the appearance of such a huge name from the dressing rooms in Convoy last night drew a strange reaction from many who braved the freezing temperatures last night.
“Jesus, he’s a lot smaller than I thought he would be,” said one.
“I’m sure he’s glad he’s on the same side as Ciaran Bonner,” chuckled another.
It may have been billed a friendly game and although it was never cynical, Glenswilly and Convoy gave no quarter as they put on a competitive display for those who gathered.
Hot soup and tea and coffee provided by hosts Convoy temporarily kept the January chills at bay.
But for anyone who thought Shane Williams was here just to wave at the TV cameras and sign autographs, they left Convoy recognising a sportsman who could probably turn his hand to most sports.
Although he may have been given a concession to allow a pick-up from the ground, the Welsh wizard constantly found space aided by a fine burst of speed.
Wearing the number 14 shirt normally reserved for the Manchild, he pointed with ease from a 25 yard free before adding another few scores with his cultured left foot.
Not long after, Williams showed he is still very much a novice with a wild swipe in front of the posts which almost ended up in Manny’s Bar in Convoy village.
The result was irrelevant although the county champions did come out on top thanks in part to the boot of Shane Williams.
The fruits of his week-long visit to Donegal can be seen in the final cut of The Toughest Trade when they are broadcast in March.
Who’d have thought Glenswilly could be so cool – with or without the snow?
