Youngest gun Roarty delivers in late Clones pressure cooker

By Michael McMullan

EVERY set of eyes on Clones were locked in on Finnbarr Roarty as the seconds of extra-time ticked away. A true definition of championship white heat.

Nothing prepares you for this. The ball was precious. Keeping it was even more so. Donegal are one point up.

Roarty is the youngest player on the field, weeks after losing an u-20 final to Tyrone after extra-time.

This is life with the big boys. The sideline was on one side. Armagh jerseys were hunting down the ball. This is what a squeeze looks like. The FRC’s new rules closed the door on a safe pass back to the unmarked Shaun Patton.

Everything was on the line. Everything. A slip and it’s a draw and penalties. Worse, an Armagh two-pointer and its lights out on any hopes of a first Ulster medal.

“There were about 90 million things going on in my head to be honest, I won’t lie to you,” said a joyous Roarty outside the Donegal dressing room.

“I just saw about five men running at me. Every (Donegal) man was chatting to each other,” he added of the message in the heat of battle. Keep the ball. Whatever you do, keep the ball.

“I don’t know how we got it out though and the next thing you know, the final whistle is blown.”

“Nothing could prepare you for that,” he added. “It’s all just in the moment, the pressure was on in the last few seconds, I don’t think that’s something you can train for.”

When Roarty came on the scene last season, he made headlines for the wrong reasons. Played for Donegal when he was underage for county senior football.

Now, his career stands on its own two feet. Donegal’s new toy. A gasán that togs out as a man. Raw pace. If you are good enough, you’re old enough.

“There’s nothing like it,” Roarty said of coming into the senior squad. “Every man is just so welcoming, there’s no pressure on you, everyone’s encouraging you to push on.”

As for winning Ulster, the emotions are still high but the words aren’t there to describe it. Eventually, he settles on a sentence. There is no better feeling. His dancing eyes say so much more

He recalls watching previous Ulster finals among the thronged masses on the iconic Clones Hill. This is a different planet.

Arriving during the ladies’ final, the crowd was growing. As they headed for the dressing rooms, fans began to pour in from every corner of Clones.

By the time the senior teams ran out, St Tiernach’s Park was wedged. Barely a space.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that, biggest crowd I’ve ever seen in my life,” Roarty said of that magical moment.

“You just get goosebumps. You might be a wee bit nervous but once you hear that crowd roar, there’s no better feeling.”

It’s just the beginning for Roarty. He can spot danger. He is tested under pressure. He’s a baller too. That perfectly floated ball to Murphy was a Karl Lacey 2012 moment. Feed the goat.

As for winning an Ulster medal in his first year, what a script.

“Just that final whistle, there’s nothing like it,” he summed up. “It’s the stuff of dreams. I love this county; I love the people. That’s what you do it for.”

Check out our review show with thoughts, analysis and reaction from both Ulster finals on Saturday in Clones.