Jim McGuinness was quick to single out one Down player after his side’s shock Ulster Championship exit, and his praise couldn’t have been much higher.
Donegal were dumped out by Down in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, as Conor Laverty’s side produced one of the results of the season so far to win 3-21 to 1-21.
Three second-half goals from Daniel Guinness and Miceál Rooney (2) proved decisive, while Pat Havern’s accuracy and Down’s energy caused Donegal all sorts of problems throughout.
Jim McGuinness Hails ‘Unplayable’ Down Star After Donegal Shock
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But speaking to Neil Loughran of The Irish News after the game, Jim McGuinness highlighted the influence of Down captain Ódhran Murdock as a key factor.
Them boys played really well today and Murdock was unplayable.
He is, in my opinion, in the top couple of players in the country. He is an absolute top, top, top level player.
Ódhran Murdock, who plays his club football with Burren, was outstanding once again, contributing 0-3 from midfield while dominating around the middle third with his athleticism, ball-winning and driving runs.
It’s a performance that will have come as no surprise to Jim McGuinness, who worked with Down as a coach in 2023 and would have seen Murdock up close.
And the Donegal boss made it clear that having a player of Murdock’s calibre, alongside sharpshooter Pat Havern, makes Down a serious threat, as Donegal found out.
When you have a player like that in your ranks and another guy that can kick the ball over the bar as soon as he gets a blink at it, you’re going to be a dangerous team.
If they didn’t know him before now, they’ll certainly know him now.
After this display, it’s hard to argue with Jim McGuinness and his assessment.
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