DONEGAL manager Jim McGuinness apparently loves the internet video tribute to his team – the ‘Jimmy’s Winning Matches’ song by Rory Gallagher from Kilcar has now had more views than people you can fit into Croke Park.
That’s 85,000.
Now the team boss wants to keep the winning theme going on Sunday week against Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.
And he is determined to learn from the defeat to Dublin last year; and to go further, much further.
“We were in a good position with 20 minutes to go last year, we didn’t get over the line, and we were very disappointed we didn’t get over the line but we’re back it’s great for the lads to have an opportunity to go to the final again,” said Jim.
“I suppose you have to be brave and face down the opposition. Cork are one of the top teams in the country, they’re the favourites for the All-Ireland.
“But we’re going to have to take the game to them, try and put our own fingerprint on the game earlier than last year, if we’re going to win the match.”
And he believes his Donegal side is facing a whole new ball game when they come against Cork, a team bristling with “maybe eight really good inter-county forwards.”
McGuinness says he believes Donegal must win more ball in midfield, particularly from kick-outs if they are to dent Cork’s ambitions.
“They dominate kickouts really, most teams they play against, and that gives them a platform to attack,” he said.
“There’s a formidable challenge ahead, something we haven’t faced up to until this point.
“We played them in the league, but in championship football we haven’t really faced this type of a team, from a physicality point of view and fitness point of view.
“And it’ll be interesting to see where we’re at ourselves.”
He wants to take this Donegal side further than last year; there’s no doubt about that.
“We were very close last year and we want to got a step or two further now,” said Jim.
“There’s a great buzz in the county now and a great appetite for football and that in itself is great for us.”
Keep winning matches, Jimmy.
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