In an impressive return for Jim McGuinness as Donegal manager, his team showcased dominance against a youthful Armagh side in the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup at MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

Early Lead and Debut Show

Right from the onset, Michael Langan’s explosive start, firing a net-bound shot, set the tone for Donegal’s prowess. The team, featuring five debutants initially and introducing a sixth in the second half, displayed promising signs of strength.

Goals Galore and Commanding Performance

Despite a commendable three-pointer from Luke McKeever for Armagh, Kevin McGettigan’s second goal maintained Donegal’s momentum, leading 2-06 to 1-03 at halftime. The second half saw the emergence of senior players, particularly Oisin Gallen, elevating Donegal’s game.

Crushing Victory and Player Performance

Gallen’s collaboration with Langan resulted in a third goal, sealing Armagh’s fate. The one-sided affair witnessed Gallen’s 1-04 contribution, matching Langan’s standout performance as joint top scorer of the match.

McGuinness’ Post-Match Reflection

Jim McGuinness expressed satisfaction: “From our standpoint, we’re content.” Delighted to provide all 26 players equal game time, he highlighted the team’s readiness and anticipation for the upcoming game against Tyrone, anticipating a sterner challenge.

Looking Ahead and Player Praise

Addressing the youthful Armagh team and anticipating the future league encounter, McGuinness emphasized the team’s preparation strategy. He lauded 17-year-old Finbarr Roarty, among the debutants, acknowledging his seamless transition to senior county-level football from Naomh Conaill club.

Donegal: Shaun Patton; Finbarr Roarty, Brendan McCole, Kevin McGettigan (1-00); Ryan McHugh (0-01, Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí (0-01), Ciaran Moore; Jason McGee, Michael Langan (1-04); Oisin Caulfield, Ciaran Thompson, Daire Ó Baoill; Aaron Doherty (0-01), Patrick McBrearty (0-02,0-02f), Seanan Carr. Subs: Odhran Doherty (0-01), Peadar Mogan (0-01), Oisin Gallen (1-04,0-01f), Stephen McMenamin, Coalan McGonagle (0-01), Jamie Brennan and Shane O’Donnell on for Ó Baoill, Moore, A Doherty, McGettigan, McGee, Carr and Caulfield (half-time); John Ross Molloy and Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhríde for Mac Ceallabhuí and Roarty (50), Daithí Roberts and Rory O’Donnell for Patton and Langan (53)

Armagh: Rhys Stevens; Cathal Agnew, Sam McClarnon, Conor Magennis; Emmett Magee, Luke McKeever (1-00), Joe Sheridan (0-01); Tadhg Grimley, Paddy Carr; Sean Conlon, Brendan O’Hagan (0-03,0-03f), Callum O’Neill (0-01); Cianan Campbell (0-01), Daniel Magee, Michael McConville. Subs: Fergal O’Brien for Carr (29), Conor Lennon for Stevens (half-time), Tomás Galvin for Campbell (46)

Referee: Maggie Farrelly (Cavan)

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Connacht looked the sharper side as the teams re-emerged from a six-month break, with first-half tries from John Porch and Kieran Marmion giving them a deserved half-time lead and they kicked on with a great try from Bundee Aki and finished the game with a late Jack Aungier try.

“Our energy was great. That was a crucial period. They dug really deep, some really strong characters,” said Connacht coach Andy Friend about going down a player. “We had five debutantes and Bundee on his 100th cap. I thought Bundee was really special,”

Dan McFarland was not a happy coach “I’m searching for the reason we didn’t have the spark I was expecting,” said McFarland. “It was disappointing to put in that kind of performance. I don’t want to take away from Connacht but we were a shadow of ourselves. You try to remind yourself of levels.”

Ulster: Stockdale; Gilroy, Hume, McCloskey, Ludik; Burns (c), Cooney; McGrath, McBurney, Moore, A O’Connor, Treadwell; Timoney, Murphy, Coetzee.

Replacements: Andrew, O’Sullivan, O’Toole, Carter, Rea, Mathewson, Madigan, Lowry.

Connacht: Porch; Sullivan, Aki, T Farrell, Wootton; Carty, Marmion; Buckley, Heffernan, Bealham, Dillane, Thornbury; Masterson, Butler, Boyle.

Replacements: Murphy, Duggan, Aungier, Murray, Oliver, Kerins, Dean, Daly.

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