After a last gasp victory over Kerry in his first game as Donegal manager, a very emotional Paddy Carr had the victims of the Creeslough tragedy firmly on his mind.
In Paddy Carr's first league game in charge in difficult conditions, Donegal showed huge character and determination to defeat Kerry 0-14 to 1-09, with Paddy McBrearty the hero with his last minute point the difference between the sides.
Having been appointed as Donegal manager in October, Paddy Carr has had to hit the ground running after last season's disappointing defeat to Armagh in the qualifiers.
His appointment as manager was just weeks after the Creeslough tragedy, that saw 10 people killed in an explosion at a service station, and Carr had the victims at the front of his mind after today's victory.
Paddy Carr, Bainisteoir @officialdonegal 🥳 pic.twitter.com/xljrMB21Hu
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 29, 2023
It's a wonderful feeling because spirits have been down in Donegal. It's been a very tough time over the last couple of months, we particularly think of the people of Creeslough at the moment and we are just delighted that we put in the heart and spirit.
I think if people think Donegal football is down, you saw it on a wet difficult pitch, against a fine team there, we just battled away.
It's great to get the two points, it's great to get a win, but I was just so happy with that performance there, and sending people home happy at the end of January. It was a special start for us.
Paddy Carr Wins Opening League Game
Despite missing several players after club All-Ireland finals, Kerry started the stronger of the two sides and had a 1-2 to 0-2 lead after 13 minutes, with a terrible defensive mistake from Donegal allowed Dara Moyinhan slot into an empty net.
13 nóim@officialdonegal 0-02
@Kerry_Official 1-02
Cúl deas faighte ag Dara Moynihan le haghaidh Ciarraí! 🏐
A nice goal for Kerry! 👌#GAABEO #AllianzLeagues @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/gme3ijXDUC— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 29, 2023
Kerry were clinical in the first-half, with Donegal coughing up possession at vital moments, as they led 1-4 to 0-3 after 20 minutes.
However, on a day when Donegal's young players stood up and made themselves counted, Caolan McGongale and Conor O'Donnell were crucial to their comeback as they closed the gap to three points at the interval.
Donegal started the second half with momentum and four unanswered points saw them take the lead with a Luke McGlynn point at the 39th minutes.
Daire O'Baoill puts the ball over the bar following a beautiful passage of play from Donegal. pic.twitter.com/ymBlVOKFZ8
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 29, 2023
While the sides exchanged scores in a tight game, it was level until the dying moments, when McBrearty's point from range ensured a dramatic victory for Paddy Carr and Donegal.
70 +3 nóim@officialdonegal 0-13
@Kerry_Official 1-09
Cúilín den scoth ó Patrick McBrearty le haghaidh Dún na nGall! 👌
McBrearty scores the winning point for Donegal! 👊#GAABEO #AllianzLeagues @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/Rj4PdYKZD8— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 29, 2023
SEE ALSO: Michael Murphy Explains Player Reaction In Donegal Camp To Barrage Of Jim McGuinness Criticism
