Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin journey something really special - Jim McGuinness 

Jim McGuinness admits it’s been impossible to not sit up and take notice of Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin’s amazing achievements. 

Daniel McCauley’s side has blazed a trail through Donegal and Ulster and are now counting down the days until Saturday week and an All-Ireland Club JFC final clash against An Cheathrú Rua of Galway at Croke Park. 

Speaking at Donegal senior footballers’ press event ahead of the NFL start last Wednesday evening on Convoy, McGuinness said it’s an amazing feat and wished them well as they face this last but most significant of hurdles.

“Caolan McColgan was here tonight, we didn’t expect to see him but he came on down,” said McGuinness.

“We also have Cormac McColgan here as part of our Strength and Conditioning team within the set-up. There is even a great buzz and interest in our own squad here in relation to them. 

“It’s been an amazing run so far and everyone is looking forward to seeing this last step now. It’s amazing on its own merit but I think it’s even more amazing that it’s an Inishowen club. 

“We’d Ryan Bradley, Darach O’Connor and Declan Walsh back in the day, before that, Paul McGonagle was probably the last involved with Donegal. 

“Now, there are quite a few with Conor O’Donnell, Caolan and Caolan McGonagle. It wasn’t a thing when I was coming through, that Inishowen representation. But now, that’ll only go one direction moving forward. That’s fantastic”.

When Caolan McColgan played against Down back in the 2023 Ulster SFC, he became only the 12th player from an Inishowen club to play senior championship football for Donegal. But McGuinness says that list will likely continue to grow moving forward.

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“You can see it at underage as well - some of the best underage players and teams in the county are from Inishowen. I just hope nowe they get the right result and I wish them all the luck in the world”.