Ulster Champions Near Final Berth but Face Tough Decisions

Donegal moved to the brink of a Division 1 Football League final with a 1-22 to 1-19 victory over Derry, making it four wins from five outings. However, manager Jim McGuinness is adamant that his team will prioritise what’s best for them rather than blindly chasing silverware.

“We will not be thinking about the league final, we’ll be thinking about what’s right for us – and if that means going into the league final, that will be a consideration when we make those decisions,” McGuinness stated.

“But it won’t be us going, ‘We want to be there and we need to be there.’”

With the Ulster Championship opener against Derry scheduled just a week after a potential league final, McGuinness believes the tight scheduling is harming the competition.

“Diminishing the Competition”

The Donegal boss argued that while Division 1 teams battle to retain their status, many are not fully invested in reaching the final due to its proximity to the championship.

“No, you shouldn’t [be looking to avoid a final],” he said. “I do feel that everyone in Division 1 wants to be in Division 1 and they’re fighting tooth and nail to stay there.

“But I also do believe that maybe 50% of the cohort don’t really want to be in the league final – and I think that does diminish the competition.”

McGuinness recalled past league finals as major occasions, referencing Donegal’s clash with Dublin in 1993, which drew a capacity 55,000 crowd at Croke Park.

“I remember being part of that, it was a brilliant experience, running out in front of a full house in Croke Park for a league final,” he said. “I think it’s disingenuous in many respects to create a format that doesn’t allow people to go after it properly.”

Managers Forced Into Tough Calls

McGuinness acknowledged that his stance could invite criticism if Donegal opt to manage workloads rather than go full tilt for the league title.

“Depending on the decisions we make, it’ll probably come back to me, and the fact that we’re ‘disrespecting the competition’, that we’re putting things into disrepute. But the reality is that myself and every other manager, you have to do the best for your players.”

Travel and fixture congestion are also factors, with McGuinness highlighting how key players like Michael Murphy need careful workload management.

“Michael played today because he didn’t travel last week, it was a home game for him,” he revealed. “All of these things factor in when you’re going on the bounce, on the bounce, on the bounce.”

WATCH: FULL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS

Donegal come back brilliantly in the second half to take home the victory @officialdonegal 1-22@Doiregaa 1-19#GAANOW #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/idKiU6mXhf

— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 2, 2025

Calls for a More Balanced Calendar

McGuinness believes the GAA needs to find a solution that allows teams to compete fully in both the league and championship without excessive fixture congestion.

“In the new structure, if they do it correctly, there could be two weeks between every game, and hopefully the GAA will be working towards that,” he said.

“Managers shouldn’t be put in a position where they’re playing games – and families going to the games shouldn’t be put in that position as well. This is all a conversation now.

“All I can say is, from our point of view, we will do what’s right for our players.”

The post Jim McGuinness Critical of League Final Scheduling Despite Donegal’s Strong Position appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Click for Donegal vs Antrim Ulster Football – Listen Live & Live Scores commentary
Tyrone will face-off against Donegal at a TBC venue this coming Sunday at 1:45 pm in the second Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final.

Last year’s Ulster finalists Donegal have had a rocky road so far this season, topping their group in Division 1 North but being underwhelming.

They drew two games against Ulster rivals Armagh and Monaghan who will also face off against one another in the first Ulster semi-final. You can see our preview of the game here: Armagh v Monaghan 

Their only victory came against the team they will face on Sunday. They defeated Tyrone by a score of 0-16 to 0-18 in an entertaining game.

While league form is not often looked at deeply for when the championship comes around, Donegal’s for the most part have been uninspiring and is not what Declan Bonner would have hoped for.

Since then, they ran over Down in the Preliminary Round of the Ulster championship and defeated a resilient and much-improved Derry in the quarter-final last Sunday.

Tyrone have been a shell of their former self this season. Only winning one of their league games and then being humiliated against Kerry in the league semi-final, managers Fergal Logan and Brian Dooher must be scratching their heads at how poor their side has been as of late.

They came out victors against reigning Ulster champions Cavan in the quarter-finals with a 1-18 to 0-13 win that has put them up with contention once more.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Donegal is a team of two halves, on one side their attacking threat is arguably one of the best in the country, while their defensive issues still remain a large part of their failures in recent years.

After their defensive woes were on full show against Down they did look competent at the back against Derry at times, but it is a point of contention for Tyrone to exploit.

Paddy McBrearty was excellent against Derry, scoring 0-3 and notching over the score of the season in added time to see Donegal progress. He will be hard stopped in this game.

Looking at Tyrone if they can win the midfield battle, they will have a chance to get at Donegal. But if Michael Murphy is fit enough to return, he might be Tyrone’s downfall.

Conclusion

Declan Bonner’s side will be full of confidence after their hard-fought win over Derry, looking great as a free-flowing scoring side in the past two games.

It’s hard not to favour Donegal in this game, Tyrone have simply been out of sorts this year, looking void of idea’s and have shown already when a good team puts it to them, they crumble.

Prediction: Donegal by 6 points

Starting Teams 

Tyrone

Donegal Team

Betting

Tyrone: 11/8

Donegal: 8/11

Draw: 15/2

A Twitter List by IrishScoresGAA

The post Football – Donegal v Tyrone – Starting News, Live Scores, Betting; TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DONEGAL U20 v MONAGHAN U20 LIVE STREAM

The match will throw-in at 20:00 on Friday, 16^th July in Brewster Park in Fermanagh.

Donegal reached the semifinal after beating reigning Ulster Champions, Tyrone by three points in a strong performance.

The shining light of the team is the partnership between O’Donnell and McFadden in midfield. They form a strong spine for the entertaining team.

Monaghan beat out Derry last week by four points, though they did not score a lot, it was a considerably comfortable victory.

Jason Irwin made the difference on that day, scoring two goals in the first half. He will want to continue this form on Friday

The very best of luck to our Under 20 team & management in the Quarter-Final of the @EirGrid @UlsterGAA Championship tonight against Derry GAA in Celtic Park at 7:30pm.
This Quarter-Final will also be streamed live by @PaircTV
Purchase link for £6/€6 https://t.co/TrUbxEDBfZ pic.twitter.com/xYqYYZe98x

— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) July 9, 2021

Predicted Starting 15

Donegal

D Roberts (GK); C McColgan, J Grant, J Gallagher; K Tobin, D McBride, R O’Rourke; R O’Donnell, R McFadden; E Dowling, S O’Donnell, R McShane; C O’Reilly, P McGettigan, J McGroddy.

Monaghan

R Farrelly (GK); R Grimes, T McPhillips, R Boyle; D McElearney, S Hanratty, B Óg Duffy; G McPhillips, J Wilson; D Treanor, L McDonald, S Slevin; M Meehan, D Swinburne, J Irwin.

Betting

Donegal EVS

Draw 15/2

Monaghan EVS

Good luck to our club player Richard O'Rourke and the Donegal U20 team tonight against Tyrone, from everyone at Four Masters GAA. pic.twitter.com/z03so3F9Wd

— Four Masters GAA (@FourMastersCLG) July 9, 2021

Score Prediction

Donegal come into this game as the more exciting side, beating the reigning champions now makes them the favorites.

Although Monaghan was comfortable against Derry, Donegal will be a harder challenge.

Expect Donegal to reach the Ulster final, winning by around three points.

LATEST: @EirGrid Ulster U20 FC

FULL TIME IN OMAGH!@TyroneGAALive 1-09@officialdonegal 1-12

Donegal win by three!#Ulster2021 pic.twitter.com/3uSbBTW1rp

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) July 9, 2021

The post U20 Football Preview: Donegal v Monaghan – Watch LIVE, Team News, Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES ON DERRY V DONEGAL

Donegal will host Derry at Ballybofey in Donegal this coming Sunday at 4.00 pm in the Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final.

In their last outing, Donegal came out victors against Down in the Premiliary Round of the Ulster championship. Winning by 2-25 to 1-12 in a 16-point winning margin.

Derry has been a surprise package this season, topping their group in Division 3, winning all three of their games before defeating Limerick and Offaly in the semi’s and final.

Unlike their opponents, Donegal’s league campaign was a mixed bag.

More often than not, league form is not often looked at deeply for the latter stages of the championship. But Donegal’s league form was uninspiring.

Drawing to Monaghan and Armagh, beating a struggling and bland Tyrone, before losing to the Dubs in the semi-finals.

On paper, Donegal has the superior team, with Michael Murphy still the main figure in a very youthful side that employs a more attacking threat than the 2012 All-Ireland winners.

Paddy McBrearty and Ryan McHugh have laid down their claim in the starting fifteen since their debuts.

McBrearty is Donegal’s main threat, with a strong showing against Down, scoring 1-4 from play and 1-6 in total.

Ryan McHugh has stood up this year, bringing pace and variety, often dropping deep from half-forward to start attacks.

Michael Murphy is still their best player and with a hamstring injury sustained in the league recurring against Down, forcing him off after 20 minutes, it is a race against time for how fit he will be.

Derry have been lethal in attack during the league campaign. Spearheaded by star full-forward Shane McGuigan all throughout their run in getting promoted.

Rory Gallagher will hope he can produce at a higher level in the coming weeks.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Both managers are acutely aware of their team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Donegal has numerous attack outputs, while defensively they can be got at, as shown by the Down game.

While Derry’s defensive unit has been outstanding throughout their league campaign, only conceding 53 points and a respectful three goals. While going forward, they have to rely on McGuigan more often than not.

Against Down, Donegal was lacklustre at the back, the full-back line was often penetrated and was bombarded with the long ball throughout the 70 minutes and should have conceded at least five goals. It was Down’s poor finishing and clinical nature that let them down.

If any elite team were to go up against Donegal, they would eventually be carved open.

Rory Gallagher would hope the likes of Patrick Kearney and Niall Loughlin will contribute more so the burden won’t have to fall to Shane McGuigan.

If Derry can add more of a threat to Donegal’s shaky back-line, they will be dangerous.

Conclusion

Overall, Derry’s squad cannot compete with Donegal’s, Declan Bonner’s side has a strong core to their team.

Pace on either flank of their forward line and if Michael Murphy is fit and ready to go, Derry will falter.

If Donegal were to be considered challengers for the All-Ireland, they need to put in a performance on Sunday.

Prediction: Donegal by 3 points

Predicted Teams – Subject to Change

Donegal

1. Shaun Patton
2. Brendan McCole
3. Neil McGee
4. Stephen McMenamin
5. Ryan McHugh
6. Odhran McFadden Ferry
7. Eoghan Ban Gallagher
8. Hugh McFadden
9. Caolan McGonigle
10. Ciaran Thompson
11. Niall O’Donnell
12. Michael Langan
13. Patrick Brearty
14. Michael Murphy
15. Peader Mogan

Down

1. Odhran Lynch
2. Conor McCluskey
3. Christopher McKaigue
4. Padraig McGrogan
5. Padraig Cassidy
6. Gareth McKinless
7. Conor Doherty
8. Conor Glass
9. Emmett Bradley
10. Ethan Doherty
11. Niall Loughlin
12. Ciaran McFaul
13. Benny Heron
14. Shane McGuigan
15. Oisin McWilliams

Betting: 

Donegal: 1/7

Derry: 5/1

Draw: 14/1

A Twitter List by IrishScoresGAA

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Dessie Farrell took over from Jim Gavin in 2019 and claimed his first All-Ireland title in 2020 against Mayo.

The men from the capital are the clear favourites to claim another Sam Maguire.

Before the start of the upcoming season, we look at each contender to dethrone the Dubs.

Kerry

Manager: Peter Keane

Last All-Ireland: 2014 (37 titles)

Last year’s finish: Munster Semi-Final

Betting odds: 5/2

Key Player: David Clifford. Fossa’s starman has been on a tear of the championship since his debut in 2018. Becoming an influential forward the likes that Cooper would be proud off. During the league campaign this season, Clifford has torn teams apart by himself. With his performance against Galway a standout. If Kerry go further than last years escapades he will be a danger for anyone.

Point of discussion: Can they match Dublin strength for strength? The Kingdom were on the verge of dethroning the Dubs in their first meeting in the 2019 final but came up short in the replay. While its hard to find a squad as talented as Dublins, Peter Keane has blooded youth with experience since his appointment. They might not be able to finish the job this year but this young team will be pushing the Dubs for years to coe.

Mayo

Manager: James Horan

Last All-Ireland: 1951 (3 titles)

Last year’s finish: All-Ireland finalists

Betting odds: 12/1

Key Player: Aidan O’Shea. The Breaffy man is coming back from a knee injury sustained in training months ago. Making his first appearance in a league win against Meath in May. The three time All-Star will be looking to fire Mayo towards glory after being named captain after last years losing effort to Dublin. He can be deployed in midfield or in full-forward to cause damage, and with Cillian O’Connor out injured. They might call upon his services to notch up the scores.

Point of discussion: Will Cillian O’Connors recent injury hamper their quest for Sam? The 29 year old Ballintubber forwards fitness is the worst possible injury for Mayo. He will be sorely missed through Connacht and if they were to retain their provincial title, they would go up against the Dubs in the All-Ireland semi-final. When Mayo have faced Dublin with O’Connor leading the line they have come up short, without him will be almost impossible for the Westerners.

Donegal

Manager: Declan Bonner

Last All-Ireland: 2012 (2 titles)

Last year’s finish: Ulster finalists

Betting odds: 16/1

Key Player: Michael Murphy. The last captain to lift Sam for Donegal is one of the most influential players in gaelic football history. Often carrying an inexperienced Donegal side to no end. The Glenswilly man is coming back from an hamstring injury in May on league duties. He may not be fully fit but without his presence, Donegal are not the same team.

Point of discussion: Can they get past Ulster? The Ulster giants have been out of sorts in the past few years since Jim McGuinness left in 2014. Not appearing in an All-Ireland semi-final since his departure. A success other than reedeming their Ulster final loss in 2020 will be a major objective going forward.

Tyrone

Managers: Feargal Lohan and Brian Dooher

Last All-Ireland: 2008 (3 titles)

Last year’s finish: Ulster Quarter-Finals

Betting odds: 18/1

Key Player: Mattie Donnelly. Since Seán Cavanagh’s retirement in 2017, Donnelly was given captaincy duties and has been his sides best midfielder by a long distance. Without him, not much emphasis will be put on this Tyrone side as major contenders. The two time All-Star will need a massive season if Tyrone are to pose a serious question.

Point of discussion: Can they return to former glory? Under Mickey Harte, Tyrone were Kerry’s bogey team, and were a major contender season in, season out until they fell off at the start of the new decade. After Kerry’s hammering in the league, many pundits have asked rather or not they have the minerals to even put up a showing in Ulster. It remains to be seen rather or not they can prove the doubters wrong.

Galway

Manager: Pádraic Joyce

Last All-Ireland: 2001 (9 titles)

Last year’s finish: Connacht finalists

Betting odds: 20/1

Key Player: Shane Walsh. When fully fit, is the focal point of a decent forward line for the Tribesmen. They will need him firing on all cylinders if they can get back to challenging Mayo in Connacht and beyond.

Point of discussion: Can they find form? Galway were a dissappointing outfit in the league. being relegated down to Division 2 alongside their West counterparts Roscommon, they will try to find their feet once again and get into the position to conquer rivals Mayo.

Monaghan

Manager: Seamus McEnaney

Last All-Ireland: No All-Ireland totles

Last year’s finish: Preliminary Round

Betting odds: 66/1

Key Player: Conor McManus. The man who was influential in Monaghans two Ulster title wins in 2013 and 2015 remains his counties main scoring threat. Being seen as the proponent in the Monaghan panel for years, given the chance he will keep Monaghans Ulster hopes alive.

Point of discussion: Can they live up to their title of dark horses? One of the favourites for Ulster glory every season, Monaghan have failed to bring home the Anglo-Celt Cup in half a decade, but are always favoured more than the likes of rivals Donegal and Tyrone. With the emergence of Cavan, they will have to fight off high expectations in order to bring home success.

The post A Look at the All-Ireland contenders for 2021 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Click for live score commentary of Cavan v Donegal

Firstly, the Breffni men got the Ulster Championship off to a spectacular start. With ten minutes left on the clock, they trailed Monaghan by six. Somehow Cavan came back to send the game to extra-time which was an achievement in itself. But, they smelled blood and pushed Monaghan all the way. Penalties seemed inevitable until goalkeeper Raymond Galligan scored the winner from 59metres out.

THIS SUNDAY!

The final of the 2020 Ulster Senior Football Championship @CavanCoBoardGaa vs @officialdonegal
Athletic Grounds, 4pm#Ulster2020 pic.twitter.com/J3zgICJrFF

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) November 18, 2020

A reasonably comfortable win over Antrim followed but Cavan repeated their comeback trick last weekend against Down.

This time, they were on the wrong side of an eight-point deficit at half-time. It seemed like five games in five weeks was taking its toll on Mickey Graham’s men as bad handling and decision-making suggested fatigue. Furthermore, Down were just much more economical in possession.

But, Graham’s adjustments at the interval proved to be good ones. For example, Conor Madden came in and kicked three points in addition to two assists. Likewise, Thomas Galligan was put at full-forward and tied up the Down defence effectively. They smothered Down in midfield and the forwards capitalised with a steady stream of points to eclipse Down’s early lead.

Donegal hype train rolls on

Meanwhile, Donegal returned to the pitch for the first time since their duel with Tyrone. Armagh were the opposition and on paper it was going to be another stern test for Donegal’s credentials. Yet, half-time Declan Bonner’s side had blown the Orchard County out of the water and there was already talk of a Donegal-Dublin semi-final.

At the interval it was 1-12 to 0-3 after a display of sheer dominance by Donegal. Their physicality in the tackle made Armagh’s attacks absolutely futile. At the other end, size didn’t come at the expense of skill as the points continued to come.

Somewhat worryingly, Donegal’s defensive guardian Stephen McMenamin left the pitch after three minutes with a hamstring strain. Bonner admitted the chances of him being fit for this weekend’s final didn’t look good at the time.

Odhran McFadden-Ferry is another absentee for Donegal. He is on tour with the Irish Army. In addition, Paul Brennan left the pitch midway through the second-half due to injury.

In contrast, Paddy McBrearty got some well-needed Championship minutes and scored with his first contribution.

While Cavan have already proved themselves capable of turning the tide against major opponents, the Donegal train is at full tilt. They racked up 1-22 against Armagh in 70 minutes of pure precision.

Monaghan and Down had bad spells to allow Cavan back into their games. It’s hard to imagine Donegal showing such a lapse.

The Ulster final is live on RTÉ.

Paddy Power have Donegal at a short 1/10 versus Cavan’s 7/1. A draw is 10/1.

Prediction: Donegal. Cavan are no right-off. But, even their best is probably not enough to see them past Donegal here who are proving to be genuine title contenders.

Team News

Cavan Raymond Galligan, Jason McLoughlin, Padraig Faulkner, Luke Fortune, Gerard Smith, Killian Clarke, Ciaran Brady, Thomas Gilligan, Killian Brady, Martin Reilly, Gearoid McKiernan, Oisin Kiernan, Oisin Pearson, Chris Conroy, Conor Madden.

Donegal: Shaun Patton, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Neil McGee, Eoin McHugh, Ryan McHugh, Paul Brennan, Peader Morgan, Hugh McFadden, Caolan McGonigle, Ciaran Thompson, Niall O’Donnell, Michael Langan, Paddy McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan

Ulster Championship Final: Cavan vs Donegal, Sunday, 22nd November, 16:00 (Athletic Grounds).

It was a busy weekend of #GAA football championship action! Catch up on the best bits in this #GAANOW weekend football round-up. pic.twitter.com/VbZJ6oEkfD

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 17, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/20-in-20-top-20-irish-sporting-moments-since-2000/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1328744991645196290

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𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙣!@OfficialDonegal are through to another @UlsterGAA decider, after an impressive 1-22 to 0-13 victory!

Reporthttps://t.co/uB2WShkuTu pic.twitter.com/6iiJYY65nv

— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) November 14, 2020

The tone was set right from the off in this one as Michael Langan won the throw in and ran threw the Armagh defence to open the scoring. Eoin Bán Gallagher followed this up with a good score before 2 Rian O’ Neill frees levelled the scoring. It was one-way traffic from here though as Donegal kicked the next 8 points to leave it at 10 points to 2. Backed by a strong breeze, Jamie Brennan, Peadar Mogan, Caelan McGonnagall (2), Hugh McFadden Ryan McHugh, Niall O Donnell (2) provided the scores. Rian O’ Neill kicked a much needed free from Armagh, but it did little to slow down Donegal who dominated on Armagh’s kickouts. Peadar Mogan scored an excellent individual goal off his left foot before Langan and McHugh pointed for Donegal to leave the score at 1-12 to 0-3 at half.

Armagh started the second half with a converted free and 45 from O’Neill. But Ciaran Thompson replied with two frees of his own. From here Donegal kept Armagh at arms-length and it took until 12 minutes into the 2nd half before Jamie Clarke kicked Armagh’s first score from play. The score was 1-16 to 0-6 at the second water break. The game petered out from here as Donegal kept the scoreboard ticking over. Peadar Mogan was outstanding for Donegal, scoring 1-2 from wing-back. Declan Bonner’s men eventually ran out as 12-point winners.

Few would have seen such a one-sided match playing out beforehand and Keiran McGeeney’s poor record in the Ulster Championship has been Armagh’s downfall once again. Donegal will play Down or Cavan in the Ulster Final on November 22nd.

What a goal!

Peadar Mogan’s stunning strike gives @OfficialDonegal a commanding lead at half-time! pic.twitter.com/NtGig2s4Sf

— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) November 14, 2020

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The Ulster Championship is undoubtedly the most competitive of the four pronvincials. So, when Donegal were drawn against Tyrone for their opener, the rest of Ulster would have rejoiced in being guaranteed to lose a big team straight away. Of course, Donegal were the ones to advance but they still have work to do to be crowned Ulster Champions.

Meanwhile, Armagh have struggled to play to their potential in recent Championships. Having won promotion to Division 1, they’re under pressure to compete with the biggest teams. So, this fixture will be a good test of their credentials.

Donegal were impressive against Tyrone. In particular, Ciarán Thompson and Michael Langan were standout performers. The latter was the Donegal goalscorer. On 25 minutes, he made a direct run forward, getting the ball from Peadar Morgan and holding off challenges before rifling the ball past Niall Morgan in the Tyrone goal.

Donegal only had 5 scorers in the game, Langan notching 1-12 of their total. Absentees from the scoresheet included Michael Murphy, Ryan McHugh, Niall O’Donnell, and Paddy McBrearty who was kept in reserve. If Donegal can add these names to their list of scorers, it will take a mammoth challenge to beat them.

Meanwhile, Armagh led for the entirety of their game against Derry but had to dig deep to see off the oakleafers.

Rian O’Neill kicked four frees that went a long way in Armagh’s favour. But, they allowed Derry to kick seven dead balls that helped them get back in the game. Kieran McGeeney will be sure to make sure his side tidy up their discipline as such fouling could cost them this game.

Leading 0-11 to 0-5 at the interval, McGeeney’s men allowed Derry back into the game in the second half. Jamie Clarke’s black card in the 51st minute only added to their self-inflicted struggles. Despite Derry coming back to make the game a closely contested one, Armagh held on. But, they will know that Donegal would put the game beyond them if they take their foot off the gas in such a way again.

Armagh haven’t won an Ulster title since 2008. With the absence of a back door this year they have to set their sights on ending that drought. Meanwhile, Donegal are going for their third Ulster final in a row. With Monaghan losing on the other side of the draw, Declan Bonner knows it is his to lose now.

Donegal are 2/7 favourites to advance. Otherwise, Paddy Power have Armagh at 7/2 to cause an upset while a draw is 9/1.

The game is live on Sky Sports Mix.

Prediction: Donegal. Armagh are a good side but even if they show up on Saturday Donegal will find a way to win. The north-westerners are just further along in their development than the Orchard men.

This will be their 28thth championship clash, with Armagh winning fifteen to Donegal’s nine  and three draws from the previous 27 contests. Both have one win behind them in the Ul ster championship: Donegal beat Tyrone by two points while Armagh had the same amount  to spare over Derry in their quarter-final.

Team News

Armagh (Ulster SFC v Donegal): Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Ryan Kennedy, James Morgan; Conor O’Neill, Aidan Forker, Mark Shields; Oisin O’Neill, Stephen Sheridan; Rory Grugan, Callum Cumiskey, Stefan Campbell; Jamie Clarke, Rian O’Neill, Niall Grimley.

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASHES 

2015: Donegal 2-11 Armagh 0-8 (Ulster quarter-final) 

2014: Donegal 1-12 Armagh 1-11 (All-Ireland quarter-final) 

2010: Armagh 2-14 Donegal 0-11 (All-Ireland qualifier) 

2007: Donegal 1-9 Armagh 1-8 (Ulster quarter-final) 

2006: Armagh 1-9 Donegal 0-9 (Ulster final) 

Facts to know

This will be their first championship meeting since 2015 when Donegal won an Ulster quar ter-final by nine points. 

Donegal are bidding to reach the final for the ninth time in ten seasons. The only year they missed out was 2017. 

Armagh were last in the final in 2008.

Team News 

Armagh team – Blaine Hughes, Paddy Burns, Ryan Kennedy, James Morgan, Conor O’Neil, Aidan Forker, Mark Shields, Oisin O’Neill, Stephen Sheridan, Rory Grugan, Callum Cumiskey, Stefan Campbell, Jamie Clarke, Rian O’Neill, Niall Grimley

Donegal – TBC

Ulster Football Semi-Final: Donegal vs Armagh, Saturday, 14th November, 13:15 (Kingspan Breffni Park).

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

What a weekend of #GAA SFC action! Take a look at the highlights in this #GAANOW Football Weekend Round-Up. pic.twitter.com/VAZMtkJNIk

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 10, 2020

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1326169742336356352

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The post Donegal vs Armagh: Ulster Semi-Final Preview appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The League game between these sides predictably saw some rustiness among the Tyrone side. However, Donegal hit the ground running and their 2-17 tally was an impressive one.

As a result, Declan Bonner chose to rest some of his key players such as Michael Murphy, Ryan McHugh, and Neil McGee for the Kerry game last weekend. Their absence was evident as Kerry claimed a fourteen-point victory. The result won’t rest on Bonner’s mind though as he has gotten a good look at his players.

Paddy McBrearty is yet to feature since the restart. Likewise, Odhrán McFadden-Ferry is out with injury. But, the Kerry game saw Michael Langan return and present himself for selection.

Meanwhile, Tyrone responded to their defeat to Donegal by winning an important game in Castlebar to remain in Division 1. They won by a single point and impressively held their nerve against a Mayo fightback.

Most notably, Conor McKenna’s return to the red and white has been an eventful one. After scoring 1-2 against Donegal, he scored a further 2-2 against Mayo. Furthermore, the return of Peter Harte meant another 0-3 on the scoreboard.

In addition to this, Dara Canavan, son of Tyrone legend Peter, played over an hour in McHale Park and left the pitch with 1-1 to his name. Despite Cathal McShane’s absence, the Tyrone forward line seems to be clicking at the right time.

No Second Chances

Last season, these teams met in the Championship at the Provincial semi-final stage. Donegal were victorious that day but Tyrone still made it to Super 8s. In fact, they emerged from their group to the semi-finals unlike Donegal who failed to earn a result in Castlebar.

Despite the recent outcome of the League game between these two, this is going to be a titanic clash in the Championship. The Football Championship is guaranteed to lose a big contender here early on. Whereas, the winner will gather huge momentum which will be needed to get out of Ulster. Otherwise, there are still strong teams that could trump either of these sides.

Paddy Power are predicting another Donegal victory. They’ve priced the O’Donnell County at 8/13 versus Tyrone’s 7/4. A draw is 13/2.

RTÉ Sport are showing the game live on Sunday.

Prediction: Donegal.

Ulster Football Championship Quarter-Final: Donegal vs Tyrone, Sunday, November 1st, 13:30 (Ballybofey). 

Conor McKenna showed class and skill for @TyroneGAALive as the Red Hand county were victorious against Mayo in the #AllianzLeagues. Is he your https://t.co/gvXdqgOuf0 Football Player of the Week? Vote now on the GAA Instagram Stories. pic.twitter.com/nVGp6dNrOw

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 27, 2020

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CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES

Kerry’s efficiency in front of goal saw them cruise to victory in Monaghan. David Clifford returned to regularly scheduled shooting with 0-6. Likewise, Tony Brosnan contributed 0-3 to put his hand up for selection.

In addition, defenders Jason Foley, Gavin White and Paul Murphy all found the target to add some threat from deep. When they play Donegal, these driving runs will be needed to penetrate the ’45.

However, Donegal have plenty of attacking options in their own right. Jamie Brennan and Niall O’Donnell scored 1-4 between them from the half-forward line. In addition to this, Ryan McHugh reminded everyone why he’s among the best with 0-3 from wing-back.

If Kerry’s half-backs match up with Donegal’s half-forwards as they should on paper, this game will be free-flowing. Donegal have nothing to lose. As a result, we may see them take the game to Kerry and make the Kingdom earn the title.

Team News

Kerry travelled without Jack Barry, Paul Geaney, Stephen O’Brien and James O’Donoghue. These are four of the first fifteen who will need minutes before the Championship. Therefore, Peter Keane could introduce these familiar faces against Donegal if available.

But, the likes of Paudie Clifford, Killian Spillane, Tony Brosnan, and Dara Moynihan are offering an exciting dimension to the attack. Keane could opt to experiment with his forwards. It also remains to be seen where Tommy Walsh will be primarily deployed.

Donegal were without Patrick McBrearty, who limped out of a recent challenge game against Roscommon. Michael Langan and Odhrán McFadden-Ferry were also absent. Declan Bonner may opt against risking these players even if available next weekend. Donegal face Tyrone in the first round of the Championship. As a result, Bonner will be torn between saving such players and giving them some much needed match practice.

Kerry (Donegal): Shane Ryan; Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley, Tom O’Sullivan; Paul Murphy, Peter Crowley, Gavin White; David Moran, Diarmuid O’Connor; Micheal Burns, Sean O’Shea, Ronan Buckley; Tony Brosnan, David Clifford, Dara Moynihan.

Donegal (Kerry) Stephen Ryan, Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Eoghan Collins, Pearse Lillias, Aaron Fitzgerald, Alan Sweeney, Cathal O’Connor, Ciaran Russell, Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, Jamie Malone, Kerman Sexton, Joe McGann, Cian O’Dea

Prediction: 

Kerry. The Kingdom’s firepower up front is arguably the best around. Even if Keane opts for some rotation, the new faces will be keen to show their worth. On the other hand, Donegal have no reason to take major risks so Bonner will likely disperse some game-time among the squad.

Kerry vs Donegal: Division 1, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Tralee). 

Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Donegal v Tyrone in Round 6 of the Allianz Football League here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Donegal: 2-17
Tyrone: 2-13 pic.twitter.com/NfYd1fi0a9

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 18, 2020

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