TV REVIEW: Jimmy’s Winnin’ Matches: RTE1
What a triumph.
CocoTV’s production for RTE1 took Donegal GAA fans through an emotional roller-coaster with 60 minutes of pure indulgence.
Even though we knew how this documentary would end, somehow the nerves jangled again, the hairs were raised on the back of the neck and the heart filled once more with pride.
Kevin Cassidy’s glorious point against Kildare in the 2011 All-Ireland quarter-final had us standing up again willing the ball over the bar (just in case).
The stomach-churning butterflies of the 2012 quarter-final win over Kerry – and then that win over Cork when 40,000 descended on Croker.
All before, of course, the third Sunday in September and bringing Sam home.
Jim McGuinness’ vision of Sam at the front of the bus would come true.
This documentary had it all, punctuated by the razor-sharp analysis of Joe Brolly.
And that’s saying something about a programme that brought no new revelations. We’d all watched from the stands as Jimmy’s men did it.
But the journey from no-hopers to the best in the country was wrapped up in a wonderful yet simple documentary full of passion and pride.
If this show was a dinner, it was 5-star culinary feast. And the ingredients were Jim McGuinness, his players and their support staff.
All topped off with the greatest GAA song ever written.
It was a summer we’ll never forget and tonight’s programme made us all realise it did happen.
And how brilliant it was. Again.
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