HE’S probably the most hated pundit in Donegal – but Pat Spillane braved potential hostility to visit the county tonight….and finally recognise the county’s incredible achievements.
The former Kerry star isn’t the most popular man up here after his slating of our county team.
But to be fair to him, he was happy to chew the fat and talk football during a visit to O’Donnell Park in Letterkenny tonight.
He was on a GAA promotional tour along with another man whose views were unpopular (but probably strategic) last week.
For county star turned pundit Martin McHugh had tipped Kerry to win at the weekend.
St Eunan’s fan Jim Ferry took the opportunity to have a ‘wee chat’ with all-Ireland winner Pat.
To be fair, our visitor was treated with courtesy and respect throughout.
Ulster Bank, sponsors of the Championship had a Q and A evening with Pat and Martin in O’Donnell Park.
And Pat threw in the ball at the start of a Letterkenny Reunion GAA match at the ground.
He met and chatted to many Donegal fans, telling one: “They’ve been excellent.”
Mr Spillane, it seems, is now recognising the incredible job Jim McGuinness and his backroom staff have done with Donegal’s back-to-back Ulster title winners.
He later met Mr McGuinness at the Mount Errigal Hotel where Jim was receiving an Ulster sports writers award…laughs and jokes were exchanged!
As far as Ryan Bradley is concerned, there’s no hard feelings.
Last year Spillane and his RTE pundits awarded Bradley the man of the match award after Donegal’s win over Antrim, but with Pat saying no-one should have been given it.
But Ryan – named player of the month for July – insisted: “We don’t take much notice. I forgot about that last year after the game. We listen to Jim and Rory . Pat is entitled to say what he wants. That’s under the carpet now.”
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