While there are few more high stakes scenarios in the GAA than a penalty shootout in a provincial final, Donegal certainly did not let the pressure get to them during the Ulster decider on Sunday.
Facing a side in Armagh who had previously been in three shootouts, it was Jim McGuinness' side that would ultimately come out on top. They would score all six of their penalties on the day, all of which were converted rather comfortably.
Penalty shootouts have proven to be a controversial addition to the GAA in recent times, with many believing that it is unfair way to decide a high stakes match. Indeed, it calls on players to use a skill that is rarely utilised in the game itself, with very few Gaelic footballers kicking the ball from the ground on a consistent basis.
In saying that, it seems as though Donegal may be one team that has an advantage in that area.
READ HERE: James Horan Identifies How Jim McGuinness Has Changed During Second Donegal Spell
Michael Murphy reveals penalty advantage Donegal held over Armagh
The quality of Donegal's penalties on Sunday was superb, with their players looking incredibly confident each time they stood over the ball. That may have been no coincidence.
Writing in the Irish Times, Michael Murphy said that the soccer background of a number of players on the Donegal panel likely played into the team's favour against Armagh.
Penalty taking isn’t a skill that’s practised as much in the GAA. We work on shooting from the hand rather than from the ground.
Sometimes if players have played soccer, that’s an advantage. Of the Donegal players in the shoot-out, Jason McGee and Daire Ó Baoill were underage internationals and Aaron Doherty played with Finn Harps.
I know people don’t like this as a means of deciding matches but the allotted 90 minutes is plenty of time for a team to go and win it.
Having panel members who were also skilled soccer players would certainly be an advantage when it comes to penalty shootouts, something Donegal made the most of over the weekend.
If they are faced with another shootout later this summer, they would no doubt fancy their chances of coming out on top once again.
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