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.”

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All nine counties of Ulster will take part in the tournament, including defending champions, Cavan.

The Anglo-Celt could change hands this year after a poor league campaign from the champions.

However, there will be several sides vying for the Ulster crown.

The draw for the 2021 Ulster Senior Football Championship! #Ulster2021 pic.twitter.com/CdKYy6rW1m

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) April 20, 2021

Preliminary Round

A preliminary round will take place to bring the number down to eight for the provincial quarter-finals.

Down and Donegal will contest the first game of the 2021 Ulster Championship.

Both sides fell to Cavan last year at the semi-final and final stages respectively.

The winner of the tie will face Rory Gallagher’s Derry.

Paddy Tally’s Down struggled in the National Football League Division Two North.

A convincing win over Laois assured the side of their Division Two status for 2022.

However, Down will want better results if they are to reach the final this year.

Tired displays against Mayo and Meath spell disaster for Down.

Rory Burns has been a bright spark for the Mourne County in 2021.

However, the poor defending in front of him has led to high scores for the opposition.

The team will be in trouble if they have similar struggles against sides stronger than Meath in Ulster.

But Donegal has not been fantastic so far this year either.

A confident showing against a dangerous Tyrone side was a promising start to the year.

However, defensive frailties were exposed against Monaghan and Dublin.

In addition, Tyrone amassed 12 wides in their game against Donegal.

Hypothetically, converting three of them would have won the game for Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher’s side.

Furthermore, a lacklustre showing against a Dublin yet to reach top gear cemented a disappointing league campaign for the 2012 All-Ireland winners.

Yet, Donegal’s attack is one of the best in the country and has kept the side in games that they were slipping away from.

Championship football may not be so kind but the match-up of a strong attack against a defence at odds with itself provides only one conclusion.

Predicted winner: Donegal

By How Much?: 10 points

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Division 1

Kerry jumped to the top of Division 1 with a win on the road against Monaghan. A three-point victory was a comfortable one in which Monaghan never really threatened to close an early deficit. As a result, the Ulster side are in relegation trouble going into their final game versus Meath.

On Saturday evening, Dublin returned to action at home to Meath. A possible League title in Dessie Farrell’s first stint as manager remained possible with victory in a high-scoring match. Dublin started well and opened a six-point gap that included the game’s only goal. However, Meath remained competitive and restored some pride despite their relegation already sealed.

On Sunday afternoon, Connacht rivals Galway and Mayo did battle in Tuam. Somewhat surprisingly, it was a one-sided affair in favour of the visitors. James Horan’s experimental side hit 2-17 by half-time. A further 1-6 after the break ensured a hammering on Padraig Joyce’s side. Now, Galway find themselves in third and needing favorable results if they are to win the Division. On the other hand, Mayo’s win hasn’t saved them from relegation. They need to beat Tyrone in round 7 to guarantee safety.

Finally, Donegal and Tyrone offered a glimpse of their upcoming Championship game in the League restart. Two goals early in each half went a long way in easing Donegal’s relegation concerns. It ended in a four-point win for Donegal in a game that saw neither side pull any punches despite the upcoming Championship fixture. Conor McKenna impressed in his Gaelic return. But, it was the other number 11, Niall O’Donnell, who looked more at home. Donegal should be safe in Division 1 following the result. In contrast, Tyrone vs Mayo looks likely to now be a relegation shoot-out.

GOAL!! by Jamie Brennan for @officialdonegal pic.twitter.com/aB0VXMq0HY

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 18, 2020

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https://3.249.64.60/feature/mayo-hammer-galway-in-tuam-to-ease-relegation-worries/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1317860719782744065

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Mayo manager James Horan has opted against any major additions following the Club Championship’s completion in Mayo. The only notable draftees are Mark Moran of Westport and Darren McHale of Knockmore coming in to bolster the attack.

Somewhat surprisingly, only one of the Championship-winning Knockmore side have joined Kevin McLoughlin on Horan’s roster. Darren Mchale kicked 1-4 in the final in a man of the match display. If he can continue such form he could force a way into the Mayo team.

On the other hand, Horan already deployed Mark Moran in a recent challenge game against Donegal. The young forward was impressive in Westport’s run to the Championship semi-final and caught the eye of the Mayo manager. He was previously a member of the U-20 squad that lost to Galway on penalties in February.

Likewise, other members of the U-20 squad could feature in Horan’s plans before the year is out. Firstly, Moran’s clubmate Rory Brickenden came off the bench in the Donegal game. Secondly, Kilmaine defender Oisin Mullen and Charlestown forward Paul Towey have made senior appearances already. Similarly, David McBrien of Ballaghaderreen appears to be a part of Horan’s plans.

Injuries

Horan may well have to utilise some of his young guns after injuries have ruled out some of his regulars. For example, Brendan Harrison has not played since the first round of the club Championship. Therefore, Mullen could make his Championship debut against Leitrim.

In attack, after returning from an ACL injury in July, Mayo stalwart Jason Doherty is looking at another spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee in training.

Also on Mayo’s injury list is Ballintubber native Diarmuid O’Connor. The 25-year-old limped off in his side’s quarter-final defeat in September. Having a fully fit O’Connor will be vital to Horan who is facing Mayo’s first Championship without Andy Moran since 2004.

On the plus side, defender Colm Boyle has returned from injury since lockdown.

Galway vs Mayo: National League Division 1. Sunday October 18, 2pm, Tuam Stadium (TG4).

The countdown is officially on!

Tá 50 lá de chluichí idir-chontae amach romhainn

After a long break the @Allianz football league returns this weekend

Ach meastú an mbeidh Jim McGuinness ar an taobhlíne @An_SpotaDubh?!@Galway_GAA @MayoGAA @officialdonegal @TyroneGAALive pic.twitter.com/qxvgGv6zZV

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 12, 2020

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https://twitter.com/SportTG4/status/1315623505103400962

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In the Club Championship, kingpins Corofin finally suffered defeat at the hands of Mountbellew/Moylough. Yet, it was another side, Moycullen, who went on to be crowned Champions. In an overall exciting competition, many players stood out and Joyce is taking advantage of this.

Firstly, Corofin’s Gary Sice rejoined the inter-county setup for the first time since 2017. Despite now being 36, the four-time Club All-Ireland Champion is a great offering to Joyce’s side. His form with Corofin more than justifies his inclusion. Furthermore, the experience he offers is an invaluable asset.

In addition to Sice, James Foley (Mountbellew/Moylough), John Maher (Salthill/Knocknacarra), and Paul Kelly (Moycullen) all received calls to joins to the county panel.

These additions are much needed and the players will need to hit the ground running at the higher level. This is due to several injuries already hampering the side.

Firstly, captain Shane Walsh looks unlikely to feature in the League this weekend. The Kilkerrin-Clonberne forward was arguably the in-form play in the country before the lockdown. But, an injury picked up while on club duty has Joyce sweating over his fitness. Even if available, Joyce may not risk his marquee player before the Championship.

Secondly, Corofin midfielder Ronan Steede will miss the Mayo game but Joyce is confident he is not far from a return. Steede picked up his own injury in the shock defeat to Mountbellew/Moylough.

Finally, County champions Moycullen have announced players involved in final or moreover the celebrations have contracted Covid 19.

The @Galway_GAA team to play @MayoGAA in the Allianz League #GAA

1. C Gleeson
2. C Campbell
3. SA Ó Ceallaigh
4. J Heaney (c)
5. L Silke
6. J Duane
7. C McDaid
8. J Maher
9. C D’Arcy
10. E Brannigan
11. M Daly
12. J Leonard
13. R Finnerty
14. I Burke
15. P Conroy

Galway vs Mayo: National League Division 1. Sunday October 18, 2pm, Tuam Stadium (TG4).

Our @Galway_GAA Snr Footballers are back in league action this coming Sunday v Mayo.

Throw in is 2pm and you can watch the action live on @TG4TV

We currently sit top of Division 1 league table #GAABelong pic.twitter.com/t75WFOGLjf

— Galway GAA Coaching & Games (@CoachingGalway) October 13, 2020

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https://3.249.64.60/gaa/football-league-division-1-final-rounds-preview/

https://twitter.com/CoachingGalway/status/1315920994113118209

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