McGUINNESS ON A QUEST TO TIR DOWN KINGDOM DEFENCES

Jim to use his powers as an innovator and motivator to overcome a Kerry side thriving under the new rules

- BY KARL O'KANE

IN Jim McGuinness’ first coming as Donegal boss, he already had the All-Ireland safely tucked away at this stage.

There was an aura there that many felt came from the secrecy that surrounded the setup, but the reality was much more about what you actually saw with your own eyes - their utterly ruthless performances on the field of play.

They sucked you in and spat you out again in a machine-like way where it felt like the odds were stacked against you and McGuinness was the casino boss.

Those powerful straight line runs up the field from Frank McGlynn, Anthony Thompson and the McGee brothers that no-one could match was their calling card. They ground you into the dirt.

From a perceived partying team to one that prided itself on its relentlessness and discipline, off the field and on it — at their very best they didn't concede scorable frees.

Don't doubt the achievement in dismantling that culture and building a new one.

In year one (2011) McGuinness claimed Donegal’ first Ulster title since 1992. In year two he won the county's second All-Ireland. Like clockwork.

This time around McGuinness looked in a good place to do the exact same thing again.

There was a symmetry to their progress, and although they came agonisingly close, year two has come and gone without that All-Ireland title.

They're back-to-back Ulster champions - a big feat - but not landing the All-Ireland this year has naturally dented the aura surrounding the manager and his team.

Now, after confirmation McGuinness is continuing, Donegal have to come back for year three with no Sam Magurie - yet.

McGuinness biggest challenge now - before the tactical, technical and physical work begins - is convincing the Donegal players they're going to win next year's All-Ireland.