CHILLS OF DONEGAL FOR DESSIE County holds a special place in heart of Dubs boss..bar one fateful day in ‘92

In his autobiography, Farrell outlined how difficult the build-up to the 1992 final was given his family connections and the fact he had such strong links with several Donegal players, one of whom, Noel Hegarty, marked him that day.

“He grew up in the summers along with John Joe Doherty and the Hegarty brothers, Noel and Paddy,” Boyle explains.

“There was an incident after the final where Dessie was interviewed and he was, as usual, very humble and very forward in his praise to Donegal and it probably wasn’t easy for him because they had come into the game with huge expectations, not only from themselves as a group, but also from supporters and from the media so it would have put a lot of pressure on them.

“We would have played on that a bit, we knew that was going to happen and it was probably something that helped Donegal more than it would have helped Dublin.”

Knowing Hegarty, Boyle reckons he would have had a few choice words for Farrell, despite their friendship.

“I have no doubt, because of Hegarty’s record, he wouldn’t have been quiet! There might have been a remark or two!”

Now, Bonner is in his second spell as Donegal manager, while Boyle says there was always a certain inevitability about Farrell succeeding Jim Gavin.

“I suppose when both Declan and Dessie were between 25 and 30, nobody would say they’re management material but you can see how their interest in coaching and managing had developed over the years.

“Bonner’s love for the game is undoubtedly just in him and I think he’d love to manage until he’s 70. That’s just the kind of interest he has for the game.

“But Dessie, it was just natural he would take on the senior job once Jim went and I think he’s been earmarked for that probably in the last couple of years because he gets the way that they’re doing their business and the way they have their infrastructure in place.

“He knows the lads, he’s brought a lot of these lads through his minor and under-21 structures so I suppose it’s just natural.

“I have no doubt their success will continue under him because he’s a good manager but also the level of talent that they have is huge.”