REIGNING champions Naomh Conaill open their Dr Maguire Cup defence at home to Downings after Wednesday night’s draw. 2024 champions St Eunan’s will face Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon who they have yet to play in their last league game. Neighbouring Termon and Glenswilly have been drawn to play each other with both sides also set to […]
Donnelly not rushing the St Eunan’s county contingent back
July 1, 2026
By Michael McMullan ST Eunan’s manager Kieran Donnelly says he is taking an individualised approach to the return of their county contingent. Donegal went all the way to last year’s All-Ireland final with county players then due back playing club championship football within weeks. But with the earlier All-Ireland exit this year, there is a […]
Creggan prepared for long championship run-in
July 1, 2026
By Michael McMullan CREGGAN will take a different approach to their championship preparations this season. The recently crowned league champions are grouped with St John’s, All Saints and St Paul’s in their group with two set to advance to the knock-out stages. The difference this year is the absence of league semi-finals and with the […]
O’Neill: Antrim know how to deal with pressure
June 20, 2026
By Shaun Casey FOLLOWING the disappointment of a surprising defeat to Derry the last day out, Maria O’Neill says Antrim are keen to get back on track when they welcome Longford to Randalstown on Sunday afternoon. The loss to their Ulster rivals has put the Saffrons under a bit of pressure with two games remaining. However, they […]
Belief is rising in Derry ladies
June 20, 2026
By Niall Gartland WHERE there’s a will, there’s a way. Derry ladies have toiled off the beaten track in the lower reaches of Division Four in recent years, but something’s a-brewin’ in the Oakleaf County. They picked up a win against Kilkenny in Division Four in their first competitive outing of the season, which was nice […]
Preview: Safe football won’t do for Donegal
June 20, 2026
BY RYAN FERRY IT’S probably a week earlier than anticipated but there is no escaping the sense of jeopardy as Donegal head for the capital this Sunday. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Donegal were expected to defeat Cork at home and sail through to the quarter-finals. They could then relax and watch the […]
Special feature: Ulster’s footballing reserves
June 19, 2026
There is a range of how seriously reserve football is taken across Ulster. Michael McMullan looked at the figures and the feedback HOW often have we heard the statement that only a small percent players make it to the heights of inter-county senior. For a considerable chunk of the majority, they never even get to play […]
Thompson returns as Donegal name squad for Dublin showdown
June 19, 2026
By Michael McMullan DONEGAL manager Jim McGuiness has named his team for Sunday’s showdown with Dublin in Croke Park (1.15pm). Shaun Patton, who started last weekend, has been listed on the bench with Gavin Mulreany in the number on jersey. Donegal are otherwise unchanged but there is a return for Ciarán Thompson on the bench. […]
Smyth looks ahead to the next serving of Kerry and Armagh
June 18, 2026
By Michael McMullan FORMER Armagh star Jimmy Smyth played on the first Armagh team to beat Kerry – and looking ahead to the latest clash of the counties on Saturday in Killarney, Smyth feels the earlier you play the Kingdom in the championship the better. As a commentator, Smyth was the voice of the Ulster […]
O’Hagan calling for a better deal for provincial champions
June 18, 2026
By Michael McMullan ARMAGH All-Ireland winner Barry O’Hagan feels the GAA must make a tweak for next season to give provincial champions a better reward for winning their respective provinces. O’Hagan is enthused with the current championship format and the level of drama it has delivered. Any changes to what it currently in situ would […]