The Errigal Ciaran boss pointed to the different reactions of last weekend’s winning semi-finalists.

“Cuala’s reaction after their semi-final was remarkable because it was a shrug of the shoulders, shake hands with their opponents, shake hands with their team-mates and dander off the pitch,” McGinley explained.

“Newbridge was a very different experience and a very different thing for our club.

“Emotions have been massive during the week and even coming in on the bus, we were met by supporters and, there were tears from the supporters and there were tears on the bus. Maybe that was too much. I don’t know, but it was a special experience that will stay long with me.”

McGinley is a physiotherapist and said he knew Darragh Canavan would have to go off immediately after taking an accidental knee to the head in a challenge by Eoin O’Callaghan.

“I knew from the first response that he was gone. I know enough about head injuries unfortunately. At that stage, the only thing you care about is the lad.”

The Errigal Ciaran manager said the issue of Ruairi Canavan being “dazed” became apparent immediately following the game.

“When the final whistle I went out to him, and it was only then that I realised he was in a bit of bother.

“The two boys will go to hospital now and hopefully they’ll both be fine.”