That must be some hairdryer that Jim McGuinness has in his locker!
Jim McGuinness’ hairdryer must have been on full-blast at half-time.
A flat-footed Donegal went in at half-time neck and neck with Antrim in this Ulster Championship semi-final at Clones.
But a staggering 2-3 in the space of just 13 minutes of the second half saw Paddy Bradley’s side put to the sword on a scoreline of 3-16 to 0-12.
It looked like a different side who took to the pitch in the second half for Donegal.
Jim McGuinness’ team has started well and led 05-02 midway through the opening half.
But the loss of Neil Gallagher through injury and the double-marking on Michael Murphy saw Donegal struggle in the second quarter of the game to take scores.
Their seven wides compared to just three for Antrim in the opening period told a tale.
But not for the first time under Jim McGuinness, Tir Chonail put in a tremendous third quarter, playing like men whose lives depended upon it.
Goals from Leo McLoone and Darrach O’Connor finished the game as a contest as you never saw Antrim pulling back such a gap.
A third goal by Brick Molloy put the icing on the cake but by that stage the Donegal management team were already throwing on substitutes to give them a game.
Colm McFadden worked his socks off and his brother-in-law chose to give him yet another full 70 minutes of football to keep the veteran on his toes.
He could have scored at least two goals on another day but should be happy with his shift.
It was a strange game for fans as Antrim never tested the Donegal side in the second period.
Frank McGlynn also put in a workman-like display while Christy Toye rolled back the years to prove he still has plenty to offer.
Donegal will be delighted by the continued emergence of such young players as O’Connor and also McNeilas.
So Donegal qualify for their fourth consecutive Ulster final.
Monaghan or Armagh will be an altogether different kettle of fish.
