Published Sunday, 26 August 2012
I heard the quote lately, and it immediately made me think of Donegal. Just two years ago, Donegal football was at a low ebb. Cork broke a Croke Park football record in 2009 during the All-Ireland quarter-final, by scoring a goal and 27 points against them.
Donegal talisman Colm McFadden and his county were on a downward spiral. A year later Donegal were the first team evicted from the championship, battered and bruised by nine points at the hands of Armagh in a first round qualifier in Crossmaglen.
The TV cameras breezed by the Donegal bench and McFadden, who had been substituted, was seen with a sarcastic grin on his face.
As the obituary continued, McFadden's behaviour was condemned by all quarters. However, it was later learned he had been asked by county board officials to stay around after the final whistle to receive a presentation to mark his 100th appearance for the county.
McFadden felt it was neither the time nor the place for such gestures and it turned out he was making a joke at his own expense.
As he left the field after being forced to stand in front of the cameras, barely able to muster a smile, it was reported the Armagh players snorted laughter during their warm-down and one even muttered: "It must be the man of the match award."
Some 26 months on and Colm McFadden is set become an All-Star for the first time after racking up an impressive three goals and 24 points in five games.
He is also going to be a very strong contender for Player of the Year. Back to back Ulster titles have been followed up with their first All-Ireland Final appearance in 20 years.
Martin McHugh rated Sunday's victory over Cork as the best Donegal performance ever. Coming from a man who played on the all-Ireland winning team of 1992, who I am to argue?
Jimmy McGuinness and his men have been on an incredible journey that is about to reach its final destination. I bet you Colm McFadden and many of his old band of team mates are grateful that they 'tried it one more time'.