Unlikely hero Niall O’Donnell was gifted a golden opportunity to be the difference and he took it.
The Donegal star was consigned to the bench after his team looked on course to secure victory against Armagh on Saturday.
Seven points ahead, Armagh staged a dramatic comeback to take the Ulster final to extra-time. It was O’Donnell’s time as he replaced Jamie Brennan.
Ciaran Moore’s 83rd-minute goal gave Donegal the advantage before Ethan Rafferty levelled in the game. Then O’Donnell took a return pass from Michael Langan before kicking over the bar with his left foot.
That ensured Donegal would secure back-to-back Ulster title wins.
O’Donnell refused to have a case of deja vu following the 2022 final against Derry. In a similar scenario, he was substituted into the game in extra-time but failed to make a difference in defeat.
“I played in extra-time against Derry in 2022 and I had little to no impact in the game,” O’Donnell said, reflecting on his achievement.
“I felt that was my first time playing extra-time and I saw how quick it goes by, that 10 minutes, do you know what I mean? A point or two can swing it.
“So I felt that I was fresh, I had a lot of momentum in me. I wanted to get out in the field and I didn’t want to have any regrets when I came in.
“It is unbelievable because when you are not used in the five subs, you don’t think you’re going to get your chance. Typically, that’s it.
“Not all games go to extra-time but I knew as soon as it went to extra-time that I had to get myself right. I knew I was going to have a part, so straight away when I went to extra time I knew I was going to play then.
“It was easier for me knowing I was going to be playing so I just had to get my head right because you know in normal time you’re thinking how are you going to get on? Are you not going to get on and they’re going to call you?
“Obviously they didn’t and then it went to extra-time. I am just glad that I got a chance thankfully.”
Read: Ireland manager slams ludicrous and outdated skort rule after final postponement
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