DONEGAL manager Jim McGuinness and captain Paddy McBrearty has promised that the squad will come back bigger and strong as they try to make up for Sunday’s emphatic All-Ireland final loss to Kerry.

Monday night’s homecoming at the pier in Donegal town was attended by thousands despite the result, but there was no doubting that one guest’s failure to show up did dampen the mood somewhat.

Despite that, the mood was not one of resignation, but a promise that the group will not give up in their pursuit of a third Sam Maguire success for the Tir Chonaill County.

McBrearty, one of two members of the current squad, along with Michael Murphy, to have a Celtic Cross in the back pocket, said that giving up is not an option.

“I want to thank the lads behind me, they’re a terrific group of lads,” said the Kilcar man.

“They deserve an All-Ireland to be honest, some of us are lucky to have one. I’ve no doubt that there will be a lot of lads that are on the stage here that will end up winning an All-Ireland.

“We need to get back on the horse now. Thanks a million lads, they’re a great group. They’re role models so if you want to grow up and be like someone, be like these guys on and off the field so thank you very much lads.”

McGuinness spoke to the crowd and his message was similar.

“I want to recognise the players behind me here, the players and the staff but particularly the players.

“There’s a lot of hurt behind me, there’s a lot of pain behind me. There’s no doubt about it that these fellas wanted to be standing in front of you and they wanted to have the Sam Maguire but that’s not here.

“There’s nobody more disappointed than that group of players and I really hope that this can be a moment that they can latch on to that will make them stronger that will make them stronger, more resilient and bring that to a point where they’re in a better position than they were yesterday afternoon in terms of going into a big game and talking on a big team.

“I just want to recognise and thank them for everything they have done over the course of the last 24 months, their effort, their commitment, their sacrifice.”