Red Hughs have today joined Gaoth Dobhair as a second Donegal representative in All-Ireland club semi-final. While Kevin Cassidy & co. will be contesting at Senior grade, Red Hughs overcame the British champions Dunedin Connolly's for a place in the Junior equivalent.
A hard-fought game that went all the way to extra-time in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny, manager Seosamh Mac Ceallabhui reserved special praise for Red Hughs' match-winner, Shane Gallagher.
Less than one month ago, Gallagher had suffered a traumatic broken jaw as Red Hughs overcame Limavady to claim the Ulster title. An injury one would scarcely expect to have recovered from in time for today's crucial tie, Mac Ceallabhui revealed the extent of Shane Gallagher's determination to play his part.
Starting with a late night text message, Gallagher informed his manager; "If you need me, I'll be there." Sure enough, Gallagher arrived on cue - wired-jaw be-damned.
Substituted into the fray on the 41-minute mark, a relieved Mac Ceallabhui disclosed the brief conversation he had had with a player who may well have been better off keeping out of the action.
"He's a warrior," Mac Ceallabhui said of Shane Gallagher to Donegal Daily.
"He has a great mental aptitude. He can deliver on the day and he shows up when you really need him.
"He selflessly put himself out there. I talked to him about it before the game and 'no regrets' was the last thing he said to me."
Having let a six-point lead slip in normal time, the game would be decided on finer margins still. Into a period of extra-time, Gallagher's worth told. Linking up with Peadar McGlinchey two minutes from the end of extra-time, Gallagher delivered the game's match-winning goal.
Leaving Red Hughs the right side of a 3-11 to 1-15 scoreline, the Donegal club will now progress to an All-Ireland semi-final clash with Sligo's Easkey.
You can listen to Seosamh Mac Ceallabhui's full post-match interview here.
