Things are definitely looking up for Donegal after Jim McGuiness’ second stint as manager was confirmed last night.
The Glenties man is being backed to haul Donegal back into contention and there’s an air of relief among the county board.
Chairman of the Donegal GAA Fergus McGee spoke to Donegal Daily’sCharlie Collins today about how McGuinness’ appointment has turned the tide.
The search for a new senior manager began on 24th July. Four weeks later, the committee revealed that they had secured the people’s choice.
“I’d say there’s not a county in Ireland that wouldn’t want him,” McGee said, outlining the nine-step process that it took to get McGuinness back onboard.
“He was the people’s choice, he was the players’ choice. I got the impression there was a feeling within himself that he felt the time was right to come back.”
McGuinness oversaw the second of Donegal’s All-Ireland titles when he managed the 2012 final victory over Mayo, but is now tasked with a revival for the county after a turbulent season including relegation from the top flight of the National League, defeat to Down in the Ulster Championship and exits for manager Paddy Carr and interim boss Aidan O’Rourke.
McGee said that his first sit-down with McGuinness showed that he was a man with a mission.
“Having the discussion with Jim was an eye-opener. The attention to detail that he had prepared just for our discussion was something that I never witnessed,” he said.
Amidst the excitement, McGee said that the board’s focus can return to more hopeful aspects of GAA, like fundraising and sponsorship. After a year mired in controversy, the decision to bring McGuinness back into the fold is seen as a strong statement of intent from Donegal.
Watch the full interview here: