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06 Sept 2025

Breaking: Jim McGuinness to be awarded Freedom of Donegal

The Glenties man, the Donegal senior football team manager, was proposed for the honour by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Niamh Kennedy

'That was a big step for us . . . we're going in the right direction' - Jim McGuinness

Jim McGuinness

Jim McGuinness will be awarded the Freedom of Donegal.

The highest honour that can be bestowed on any individual in the county will be placed on McGuinness.

The Glenties man, the Donegal senior football team manager, was proposed for the honour by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Niamh Kennedy.

In 2012, McGuinness guided Donegal to the All-Ireland title during a spell as manager that also yielded Ulster titles in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

After winning Sam Maguire in 2012, McGuinness was named as the Donegal Person of the Year.

In 2014, Donegal lost the All-Ireland final to Kerry and McGuinness stepped down.

After spending a few years pursuing a career in soccer coaching, McGuinness was coaxed back as Donegal manager last summer.

This year, under McGuinness's tutelage, Donegal regained the Ulster title having won the Division 2 final against Armagh.

Donegal also reached the All-Ireland semi-final, pipped at the post by Galway.

Councillor Anthony Molloy, Donegal's 1992 All-Ireland-winning captain, seconded the motion from Councillor Kennedy at a meeting of Donegal County Council.

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