By Michael McMullan

JIM McGuinness has only lost one Ulster Championship game as Donegal manager, their 2013 final against Sunday’s opponents Monaghan.

After their opening-day round win over Derry, the Tir Chonaill County may be stronger still with some players possibly back in contention as they try and avoid the Farney hoodoo.

Michael Langan just wasn’t ready. A marginal call. Had the game been a day later, the influential St Michael’s man would’ve been in.

Jason McGee got his first minutes since the All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway. McGee would be his first phone call to see if he’d got through a game pain-free for the first time in three years.

Hugh McFadden is in top form and McGuinness puts it down to looking over his shoulder at Langan and McGee. It’s about depth this year.

That victory over the Oakleafers was quickly parked. There is satisfaction but there is also plenty of looking over the next hill.

“Monaghan don’t fear us, that’s the reality and that’s a big part of it,” said McGuiness, while also using the example of Derry’s gameplan early on that saw them carve out three goal chances.

Historically, Donegal and Monaghan clashes have went the distance. That’s in the past.

“For me they’re one of the most exciting teams in the country,” McGuinness said of the 2025 Farney model.

“They’re playing on the front foot. They’re man-marking all over the pitch

Their first thought process is the first four steps forward. They’re very fluid.”