Donegal’s first All-Ireland winning captain Anthony Molloy has called for the people of Donegal to get united behind new manager Jim McGuinness.
The Ardara man made his comments as the Glenties man was installed for a second term as Donegal manager at a county board meeting in Convoy last night.
Molloy spoke on behalf of the five man committee tasked with securing a Donegal GAA football team manager.
He spoke of the pride and honour it was to be invited to be part of such a process.
Along with county chairman, Fergus McGee, secretary Declan Martin, Anthony Doogan and Martin McHugh, the committee were tasked with finding the best person to lead Donegal football into the future.
Anthony spoke very highly of Jim McGuinness and how, he was very much a part of his own time as captain in 1992 and once again in 2012, when, ” Jim wrote his own history by taking Sam home to Donegal once again.”
He spoke of how Jim led the team to three Ulster titles at that time. He said that there’s no doubt that this will be a work in progress but that Jim has been here before and he can deliver for Donegal.
He asked that, ” We as a county board, as delegates and as supporters give Jim our full support going forward”
He said that Jim has a huge profile which will gather interest all around and that this is a massive evening for CLG Dhún na nGall.
Anthony thanked Jim’s wife, Yvonne and his family, as this is a huge commitment for them as well.
Anthony went on to say, “We are proud people here, we’re a proud county. Let us all be united, let us all stand together here. We have a man here who will take us forward and take us on to better things.”
To a rousing applause he finished with the words, “Give these young lads a chance, let them realise their dreams, the same dreams that I had.”
County chairman, Fergus McGee, thanked the committee who had worked hard over the last number of weeks to secure this appointment which, in his words, “Is a very positive step into the future for Donegal GAA.”
He thanked Sandra McConnell from Donegal ETB for her valuable insight into HR matters throughout the process.
He also congratulated Jim McGuinness on his appointment, while delegates expressed their own delight at the official announcement.
