Donegal may have lost against Ulster in the inaugural Match for Michaela event by a single goal but there were no losers at Casement Park in Belfast tonight.
More than 18,000 fans paid to see a no-holds-barred display of physical football between the All Ireland champions and an Ulster select.
Ulster led throughout and not even a late Paddy McBrearty goal which brought Donegal within three points of Ulster was enough.
Donegal fielded a very experimental team with many players of the future including Stephen Griffin and Gary McFadden featuring.
There was no place for the likes of Michael Murphy, Colm McFadden, Karl Lacey or Rory Kavangh who plays the county final for St Eunans against Naomh Conaill tomorrow.
There were smiles all round as Ulster eventually ran out 2-11 to 1-11 winners.
Tyrone’s Martin Penrose was the Man of the Match in a game played in cold but dry conditions with many Donegal fans making the journey to support the Michaela Foundation.
John McAreavy, the husband of the late Michaela Harte said he hopes his late wife’s foundation will continue to grow.
“2013 is going to be a massive year and we’re going to spread summer camps around the counties. It’s onwards and upwards,” he said.
Michaela’s dad Mickey said “Michaela always had a kind of direct line to God. It rained all week and we had a lovely night tonight,” he said.
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