Division One semi-final

Donegal v Dublin

(Saturday, Kingspan Breffni, 7.15pm)

SEVEN months after their much-anticipated but never to be All-Ireland semi-final meeting, Donegal and Dublin will lock horns in a different kind of semi-final.

A National League final place (for Dublin anyway), or maybe even a shared trophy depending on results on Saturday, is the prize on offer, but for Declan Bonner’s side they must still be thinking about last year.

In a bout of massive disrespect to Cavan, and journalists were just as guilty as fans, Donegal were ‘sure-thinged’ to beat Cavan in the Ulster final to set up a mouth-watering clash with Dublin.

If anyone could stop Dessie Farrell’s side, it was those men from the north-west.

It was a darker shade of blue that ended their ambitions though as Cavan triumphed, and deservedly so. Donegal have rebounded well though and a win away to Tyrone was followed by draws with Monaghan and Armagh.

It’s been a weird sort of campaign at the same time. Michael Murphy has missed basically two games with a hamstring injury and will almost certainly not be risked here. They have looked vulnerable in his absence, giving up 10 goal chances against Monaghan (the Oriel took four) and were second best against Armagh for long stretches.

A wonderful Paddy McBrearty performance allowed Donegal to take a point from the Athletic Grounds while Michael Langan scored two absolute screamers of goals in the drawn fixtures.

This will be an excellent test for the side ahead of their Ulster preliminary round clash with Down on June 27. While Murphy will still not be ready, Odhran McFadden-Ferry will likely get some much-needed minutes into the legs having been among the substitutes against Armagh.

Play like they did that night and Dublin should take care of them handy enough.

Farrell’s side have appeared like a side playing a few gears lower than usual, but they still took five points from six in their group. Stephen Cluxton has yet to play this season, raising speculation that he may opt to retire, however Dublin selector Mick Galvin quashed such rumours and there is even a chance he could play here.

Given the unusual circumstances surrounding the conclusion of the league season, this game is likely to lose a touch of intensity. Still though, it’s a case for Donegal to pitch themselves against the best.

It may not be Croke Park in December, but it will still be a worthwhile exercise for both the teams involved.

Verdict: Dublin