Donegal up for The Highball

Exhausted no doubt from their travails overcoming a dogged Louth side in Croke Park on Sunday afternoon, the triumphant Donegal team made a memorable stop for quick and even deserved livener at The Highball Bar in Butlersbridge on their return northwards.

The popular haunt on the village's Main Street buzzed with excitement at the unexpected arrival of the men from the 'Forgotten County', who have seen their hopes this All-Ireland season revitalised under the leadership of former Sam Maguire winning manager and player, Jim McGuinness.

During their short stop players were buoyant and full of energy, mingling with those present, signing autographs, and posing for photographs.

With a league and provincial title already in the bag, Donegal outperformed Louth, showing a tenacity and drive fans feel has been missing in their trademark style for some time.

McGuinness's charges will now take on Galway who sensationally beat All-Ireland champions Dublin.

Kerry complete the All-Ireland semi-final line up, seeing off Derry, and will take on Armagh next.

When Donegal last won the All-Ireland, the team parked up at the Hotel Kilmore on their way home, an occasion that saw the Sam Maguire briefly go missing in a modern retelling of how the Jules Rimet World Cup trophy was found by Pickles the dog in a Norwood backyard.

Vanishing from the stop-off point, much to confusion and consternation of the holders, it took internet sleuths a mere matter of minutes to discover the coveted prize had gone on an impromptu tour of several local pubs in the Cavan Town area, albeit under the careful watch of corner-forward Paddy McBrearty and wing-half-forward Mark McHugh.

Several hundred Gaelic football fans, from both Cavan and Donegal, attended the Hotel Kilmore, to catch a glimpse of the celebrated trophy holders, who next had to wait until 2019 before lifting some silverware again in The Anglo-Celt cup.