Jimmy Mhicí Gallagher could feel the tears streaming down his cheeks as he watched Gaoth Dobhair write a new chapter in a storied history.
Jimmy Mhicí was 90 on his last birthday and has been alive for all 15 of Gaoth Dobhair’s Donegal SFC wins.
Picture: Jimmy Mhicí Gallagher with his daughter Caitlín, son John ‘Bosco’ and Donal Breslin at the homecoming in Magheragallon.
He’s watched 11 of them in the flesh and reels the names off as quick as the years.
He’s in no doubt the class of now have gone instantly to the top of the pile, but quickly notes: “We can’t forget the likes of Hiúdaí Beag, Jackie Gallagher, Danny Gillespie, Jim McFadden, the Coyles, Willie Gallagher, Antoin Rodgers, Neilly Gallagher, Donald Breslin, Eoghanai Beag…”
Jimmy was born in America, but home is the Gaoth Dobhair townland of Srath Mairtin.
Yesterday’s win over Scotstown gives Gaoth Dobhair a new tale to tell.
“Today was the best of the lot,” Jimmy insisted.
“They go to the top.
“The tears were running down my cheeks. I was proud to see that.”
Jimmy Mhicí Gallagher with Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub’s Chris McNulty in Magheragallon
His son, John ‘Bosco’, is part of Mervyn O’Donnell’s management team, giving yesterday an extra special meaning.
He was among the hundreds who converged on Magheragallon last night as Gaoth Dobhair brought the Seamus McFerran Cup home for the first time.
When Scotstown led by three points early in the second half, the writing looked to be on the wall for Gaoth Dobhair – but Jimmy Mhicí didn’t give up the hope.
“I was kind of worried, but I never thought we’d get beaten today,” he said.
“When you look at the likes of Kevin Cassidy and Eamon McGee, they played like two young fellas. I thought Cassidy was brilliant.
“I’m always happy when I see the ball in Mac Niallais’ hands. He can handle it on and he gets away. He’s a brilliant footballer.”
Listen to the full interview below …
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