19 photos that define Jim McGuinness' time in Donegal

His first McKenna Cup back in 2011

Mickey Harte speaks with Jim McGuinness Presseye / Russell Pritchar/INPHO Presseye / Russell Pritchar/INPHO / Russell Pritchar/INPHO

He ended Donegal’s 19 year Ulster championship drought in his first year

Michael Murphy and Jim McGuinness celebrate with the Anglo Celt Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

His tactics were heavily criticised after Donegal lost to Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final in 2011

Jim McGuinness and Pat Gilroy Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

He orchestrated Donegal’s win over Kerry in their first championship meeting in the quarter-final in 2012

Jack O'Shea keeps a close eye on the game Colm O'Neill / INPHO Colm O'Neill / INPHO / INPHO

Donegal fans began to worship Jim McGuinness

Bredagh Breslin from Creeslough Kieran Murray / INPHO Kieran Murray / INPHO / INPHO

Then he finally delivered the ultimate prize in 2012

Jim McGuinness with his son Jim Jr James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Jim McGuinness with Brian McEniff, the only other manager to win an All-Ireland with Donegal

Brian McEniff and Jim McGuinness James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The team were treated like heroes at the homecoming

Jim McGuinness and Michael Murphy carry the Sam Maguire across the Termon river from Fermanagh into Donegal Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Jim McGuinness with the players who implemented ‘The System’

Jim McGuinness celebrares with his team 23/9/2012 James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The low point of his reign came when Mayo trounced his charges in the 2013 quarter-final

Colm McFadden and Jim McGuinness James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

He gave debuts to plenty of players during his time in charge

Jim McGuinness with Daragh O'Connor Presseye / Jonathan Porter/INPHO Presseye / Jonathan Porter/INPHO / Jonathan Porter/INPHO

Donegal won their third Ulster crown in four years under McGuinness this season

Jim McGuinness celebrates with the Anglo Celt Cup Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

McGuinness could barely believe it win they upset Dublin in this year’s semi-final

Jim McGuinness celebrates the final whistle Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

He was the superior Jim on the day

Jim McGuinness shakes hands with Jim Gavin after the game Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

McGuinness celebrating with his brother and niece after the Dublin win

Jim McGuinness is congratulated by his brother Frank McGuinness and niece Orla McGuinness Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

McGuinness was known for his tactical astuteness on the sidelines

Jim McGuinness

There really was a cult around McGuinness

Fergal Matthews, Conor Doherty and Paddy McGuinness Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

McGuinness stepped away after this year’s All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry

Jim McGuinness congratulates Eamonn Fitzmaurice after the game Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

McGuinness consoles Michael Murphy after the final defeat

Jim McGuinness with Michael Murphy at the end of the game Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO