“They fully deserve to be on the pedestal where they are and they’re not going to go away overnight. They’re a top team and they’re still going to have a huge say in the All-Ireland series.”
Having made his championship debut in 2013 during McGuinness’ first spell as boss, McHugh is one of the longest-serving players in the Donegal panel.
Kilcar man McHugh stepped away from the inter-county scene last year and watched on as Donegal endured a turbulent year before McGuinness’ return.
But on Saturday, the two-time All-Star looked back to his livewire best, scoring two points and constantly pushing Donegal up the pitch with relentless hard running.
Hailing McGuinness’ influence, McHugh said: “Last year was well-documented. It was disappointing for everyone in Donegal. Jim to be fair to him deserves a lot of credit. He didn’t have to come back.
“Jim has nothing to prove to the people of Ireland or Donegal. He’s put his neck on the line by coming back and we’ll forever be grateful for him and what he’s done. He’s put us back into a position where we can compete with the best teams in Ireland.”
Saturday’s game was played out in front of an enraptured sell-out crowd at a sun-soaked Celtic Park.
After a flat start to the Ulster series, it felt like the shot in the arm this year’s championship needed.
“I think it is,” McHugh said when asked if this was the Ulster Championship at its best.
“It’s really fresh and I’ll have to watch the game back tomorrow. When you’re in the middle of it it’s hard to take in everything but I think it’s the Ulster Championship at it best.
“Two teams really going for it, trying to get over the line and thankfully we’ve done that today.
