Donegal v Mayo: Something has to give in Letterkenny

By Michael McMullan

SOMETHING must give on Sunday in O’Donnell Park as Donegal and Mayo clash at the top of Division One.

If the fact both sides have a 100 per cent record wasn’t enough to stoke the fires, the early chatter of the game being a sellout before it actually was only added to the occasion.

Donegal have beaten Dublin and Kerry so far with most of their players having made a return to action.

Michael Murphy and Oisín Gallen came on in their victory over the Kingdom. That leaves Ciarán Thompson, Shaun Patton (both injured) and Patrick McBrearty (retired) as the only players from the All-Ireland final yet to see league action.

In Patton’s absence, Gavin Mulreany has cemented his credentials as a more than viable option between then posts. Shea Malone and Kieran Gallagher have shown they can compete at his level.

Having won the Dr McKenna Cup, manager Jim McGuinness has continued to beat the drum of blooded players having more value than anything else. Having four points on the board will have taken any pressure in terms of lingering at the bottom of the table.

Donegal have shown they can defend both man on man and zonally. There is also a fresh energy they’ve taken from parking the All-Ireland defeat. It’s a new season. Moving on is the key mantra.

While there is the caveat of Kerry missing so many key men, winning is a habit. McGuinness and everyone in the camp will know that Kerry later in the year will be different gravy.

The takeaways from Ballyshannon were giving Seanie O’Shea two-point frees and how Kerry bossed the second half on their own kick-outs.

Sunday will be a stiffer test again. Mayo are tipping along well. If McGuinenss hands a newcomer a start come Sunday, he’ll get a feel for whether or not they are a real championship option. There will be bigger days than Sunday but Letterkenny will be hopping. This is a game that was always going to sell out.