DONEGAL Mayor Frank McBrearty has paid a glowing tribute to Jim McGuinness and the Donegal senior football squad at a ceremony in Lifford on Friday night.
Cllr McBrearty said the All-Ireland winners would inspire a new generation to take up sport.
“It is a fantastic achievement and so many young people have some fine role models to look up to,” said the Mayor.
“They have inspired a new generation and inspired so many other people with their achievements in recent years.”
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness thanked the council for the tribute and paid tribute to all his players and back room team who had brought Sam Maguire to Donegal in September.
Jim said five of the Donegal panel were still looking for jobs and he hoped they would get positions so they could continue their work on the pitch for the county.
He said Ryan Bradley, Anthony Thompson, Leo McLoone, Paddy McGrath and Eamonn McGee had put their lives on hold for Donegal.
“I would ask anyone here, if it is at all possible to get these solid men some relaibale employment. They need security and it would benefit our team,” he said.