'Even if we win this one, I still won't get over 2014'

DONEGAL STAR RYAN MCHUGH REMAINS HAUNTED BY PREVIOUS KINGDOM DEFEAT

- PADDY TIERNEY

RYAN McHugh lives and breathes Gaelic football. He comes from a family steeped in the history and success of Donegal.

From his father, Martin, and uncle James bringing Sam Maguire to the Hills for the first time in 1992 to his brother Mark emulating their achievements 20 years later.

A minor star in 2012, Ryan was brought into the senior setup the following year.

It was an exciting and daunting experience for the young Kilcar lad, but he soon proved Jim McGuinness was correct in promoting him to the senior ranks.

Donegal returned to the All-Ireland final in 2014 where they met Kerry. Having reached two finals in three seasons, McHugh reasoned his county career would be littered with appearances on the biggest day of the season.

Some 11 years later, he'll return to Croke Park to face the Kingdom for his second crack at landing a Celtic Cross.

An ardent student of the game, McHugh confesses the '14 decider is one game that he has never watched back and he doubts he ever will.

"I still haven't — I watch every game back. With 2014, I never took it upon myself to sit down and watch it back," said McHugh.