GAOTH Dobhair captain Niall Friel was ecstatic after his team’s victory over Scotstown, but he took the opportunity to pay tribute to Kieran Gillespie when interviewed after the match.
Gillespie has had rotten luck with injuries and he wasn’t able to tog out with his teammates on Sunday.
He faces a long spell on the sidelines, but Friel has backed him to come back even stronger for club and county.
“Lifting the cup with Kieran Gillespie is extra special as that man has been through the wars over the last three years,” said Friel.
“I look out my kitchen window and I can see Gillespie’s house. We grew up together and I know the work that man puts in.
“It’s actually how scary that man could be. He came in for the Donegal championship this year and he only had a few weeks of training, and everyone was wondering how can that man do it. He’s just a phenomenon.
“There’s no doubt that he will come back even stronger from this cruciate.
“I’m sure (Declan) Bonner was gutted about it, because he has had him from Under 16 up and he knows how good of an asset he is.
“Hopefully he can get back on the team and drive it on.”
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