Jim McGuinness has paid tribute to the Donegal supporters and the part they have played in the Ulster champions' run to the All-Ireland final.
The Tír Chonaill men overcame Cork in front of over 55,000 (mostly Donegal) fans today to set up a clash with either Dublin or Mayo on 23 September.
McGuinness' charges have captured the imagination of the Donegal public over the past couple of seasons, and the special bond between them has played a major role in Donegal's success.
"When we stared out on the journey in the middle of May up in Breffni Park, it was a long way to the All-Ireland final, and to be there now is fantastic really for this group of players," McGuinness said.
"The support at the minute has just been fantastic. Even in the warm-up today they were chanting 'Donegal', which was unbelievable for our players.
"Last year, we tried to put a framework in place that we could help the boys to achieve things in the game and we tried to build that over the winter. I think the supporters understand that and they understand what we're trying to do."
He added: "We're trying to move the thing forward, develop the lads individually and develop them as a group.
"And I suppose the lesson from last year was try to get more scores on the board, and they're aware of that as well.
"They have been with us every step of the way really since Breffni Park, and I think after the 2-18 (Donegal scored) in the Ulster final there was maybe a wee bit more optimism in them that this group of players could achieve something in the All-Ireland series and they've come out in huge numbers as a result.
And McGuinness is hoping that Donegal's improved results under his stewardship will help bring about a conveyor belt of talent inspired by the current county stars.
"The boys have a great relationship with the supporters as well, and the kids and everything else, McGuinness said.
"It's a great shot in the arm for Donegal football to be honest with you. We just hope now that the synergy that it creates, there will be a Michael Murphy, or a Colm McFadden, or a Rory Kavanagh in the offering in a few years' time as a result of it."
The Donegal manager, who was a member of the team that famously landed Donegal's only All-Ireland title in 1992, admitted his side were "lethargic" in the first half of today's game, but put that down to the "apprehension" caused by the occasion.
And although they were improved after the break, their manager believes they have work to do in the four weeks between now and the decider.
"But I'd have to say that we had a lot of wides there as well in the second half that you'd normally expect to be going over, so there's bits and pieces there that we can be working on, definitely."
"I just hope now that we've come this journey that we can go the last leg of it now and get over the line in four weeks' time.
"A huge challenge regardless who we play, but at the same time we would hope that with all the work we've put in and the amount of games we've played this year that we can see the thing out now, but I suppose that's for another day."
