Donegal captain Conor Gartland: ‘We refused to accept defeat’ 

Donegal’s history-making captain Conor Gartland (20) said it was all about the team as he savoured a brilliant Nickey Rackard Cup success following a 3-17 to 0-22 win over Mayo.

Gartland is the county’s youngest ever senior captain and added that this victory was a tribute to all of his comrades.

“This meant so much to me and ever since Mickey McCann gave me that mantle of captain last January, all that has been on my mind has been getting up those steps and accepting the trophy on behalf of all the boys.

“It was my proudest moment but I am even prouder of all the boys who are great group of men and how far we managed to take Donegal hurling this year. We refused to accept defeat.

A brace of goals from substitute Josh McGee/Cronolly in the final quarter proved pivotal as Donegal completed a battling comeback. And Burt man Gartland was full of praise for that decisive impact. 

“Nothing is more important than the squad and we knew all week that our bench could make a difference and so it proved. And that is as strong a panel as we have ever had.

“Even thinking about Josh, he pulled out with a hamstring injury a few weeks ago and it was uncertain if he would be even able to play at all.

“But he just came in and he lit up Croke Park and we are just so proud of him. What a display from a great man.”

Gartland also saluted the return of fellow clubman and ex-county captain Ronan McDermott.

“He was great and you would never think he had been as he just looked so sharp. Ronan is in great shape and we are so glad for him.”

And he reserved special praise for veteran Danny Cullen.

“What can you say, he is just so cool under pressure and when things were going bad he kept us going with his experience and heart. It is so great to have him around and Sean McVeigh was also superb.”

But for Garland himself, he rounded off by saying Sunday was the “proudest moment of my life.”