Ulster SFC quarter-final
Donegal v Tyrone
Sunday, 4pm
Ballybofey
(Ref: Joe McQuillan, Cavan)

Latest from the medics and management…

Donegal are going with a tried and trusted formula. Jim McGuinness has opted to name the same XV that started last September’s All Ireland final with Mayo. Karl Lacey will make his first competitive appearance of the year. Donegal had been hampered by injuries during the National Football League, but they now have a clean bill of health.

There is an imposing cut to the Tyrone too with Peter Harte and Stephen O’Neill fit again. Goalkeeper Niall Morgan and corner forward Conor McAliskey will make their Championship debuts.

DONEGAL: Paul Durcan (Four Masters); Paddy McGrath (Ardara), Neil McGee (Gweedore), Eamonn McGee (Gweedore); Anthony Thompson (Naomh Conaill), Karl Lacey (Four Masters), Frank McGlynn (Glenfin); Neil Gallagher (Glenswilly), Rory Kavanagh (St Eunan’s); Mark McHugh (Kilcar), Leo McLoone (Naomh Conaill), Ryan Bradley (Buncrana); Patrick McBrearty (Kilcar), Michael Murphy (Glenswilly), Colm McFadden (St Michael’s).

TYRONE: Niall Morgan (Edendork); PJ Quinn (Moortown), Conor Clarke (Omagh), Cathal McCarron (Dromore); Justin McMahon (Omagh), Joe McMahon (Omagh), Conor Gormley (Carrickmore); Colm Cavanagh (Moy), Sean Cavanagh (Moy); Mark Donnelly (Carrickmore), Peter Harte (Errigal Ciaran), Matthew Donnelly (Trillick); Martin Penrose (Carrickmore), Stephen O’Neill (Clann na Gael), Conor McAliskey (Clonoe).

Checking the odds…

Being the defending All Ireland champions carries certain baggage and Donegal will be favourites for high stakes battles. A home victory can be backed at 8/13. Some will be tempted by the 7/4 available for a Tyrone triumph. The draw, a distinct possibility considering the styles of these two teams, looks decent value at 7/1.

Clues from the form guide…

Where do you start? The National Football League? Tyrone made progress in the spring, Donegal’s relegation didn’t bother too many. The All Ireland champions weren’t at full tilt, having Sam Maguire in your possession changes the dynamic of how teams approach that competition.

Since the start of the year Jim McGuinness had one date etched in his mind: Sunday, May 26th. That is what matters and while Donegal’s League form was more hit than miss last year’s tense and thrilling triumphs leave them comforted. Donegal have shown that they can get down and dirty. Hard work has brought them the ultimate reward.

So many marquee performers in Tyrone’s salad years have departed the inter county fray, but what pleased Mickey Harte most about their League was the emergence and prominence of less heralded figures. Tyrone nearly took that title in almost trademark backs pinned against the wall fashion. Harte was on the line reading the game with unfussy brilliance. Dublin nicked a win, but Tyrone gave a few hints of what they can do too.

Tyrone’s Stephen O’Neill and Donegal’s Neil McGee
Pic: INPHO/Presseye/Russell Pritchard

The game breakers are…

How Mickey Harte arranges his team will be fascinating. Niall Morgan’s polished League contribution was all about flying saves and nailing pressure frees. In a claustrophobic Ballybofey Morgan’s dead ball prowess could be crucial. Donegal will be reluctant to foul as Morgan can scamper upfield to drill scores from distance.

Inevitably the convalescing Peter Harte and Stephen O”Neill will bring a dollop of class. Where will Harte actually play? That is always worth monitoring. O’Neill will be in close to the posts and Donegal must curb and contain his influence. Undoubtedly that is easier said than done. Restricting O’Neill, who dazzled at stages in the League, is vital.

Donegal have attacking nous of their own. Michael Murphy illuminated the September stage vexing Mayo as he delivered when it truly counted. When Murphy roams Colm McFadden can be left to plough a lone furrow occasionally and he can still summon scores. All those who encountered Donegal in 2012 will acknowledge that.

Elsewhere Mark McHugh’s relevance to Donegal cannot be underestimated. Capable of timing his runs and offering an outlet Tyrone will be trying to stop Donegal support players. Tyrone will be seeking to terminate Donegal momentum when counter attacks are on. Arguably the ultimate game breakers could be standing in front of the dug-outs: McGuinness and Harte. Blessed with broad minds and shoulders they will relish that responsibility.

Donegal’s Jim McGuinness and Tyrone’s Mickey Harte.
Pic: INPHO/Presseye/Russell Pritchard

Gazing into the crystal ball…

Ballybofey will be brimful for a match that has been spoken about since winter. It will be fast and physical, tight and tense, brilliant and brutal. Donegal vexed all their opponents during a rollicking 2012 adventure by repeatedly punishing errors. They forced them wherever they could and then when the ball had been gathered, they broke at rapid speed.

Mark McHugh can knit the play. Frank McGlynn and Karl Lacey are willing to wander when the chance arises. Rory Kavanagh is a study in perpetual movement. Inside Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden have the strength, spirit, and skill to kick scores from limited space and improbable angles.

All those remarkable factors suggest that McGuinness has constructed a team that has taken football to a new heights, but you just can never discount his opposite number. Harte is a proven operator in these kind of encounters.

The numbers on the footballers backs won’t be too significant. Bodies will be put behind the ball and it ought to be a relentless. Who will be more ruthless? Donegal survived a late scare when the teams collided last summer, but few would dispute that they didn’t deserve that particular success. Reaching similar attitude and application levels will be necessary again because Tyrone are primed to pounce.

Verdict… Tyrone

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