Donegal minor manager Shaun Paul Barrett cut a disappointed figure as his side’s year was ended with an extra time defeat to Antrim.
A late rally saw Donegal come back from the brink and an extra time goal by Oisin Gallen put them two up, but Antrim stormed back.
“It’s not the result we were hoping for,” Barrett said.
“Everyone comes out to win every game. In fairness they came in at the start of the year, gelled in and worked tremendously hard. We couldn’t be prouder. They gave everything they had.
“We have a great bunch of lads, fellas who worked really hard and there is fabulous talent there.
“People don’t realise the work that goes in by these boys. They’re in great shape and we’re disappointed that we didn’t show what we could have.”
Donegal trailed by seven but a lucky goal for Peadar Mogan – who saw a free drop all the way into the net – pulled the home side back into it.
Barrett said: “We had a slow start, but we had two goal chances early in the game. In the Championship, you have to be decisive. Normally our free takers are 100 per cent, but a couple didn’t go for us today.
“We got the game back and we wanted to push on. The goal at the start of extra time, we should have pushed on from that, but the legs were tired. We have no complaints, it was a fair game and it just didn’t work out for us.
“Antrim are a very good side and they do huge work at underage level. They have great players and they’re doing the work no more than any other county.”
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