(Oldest Posts First)
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Donegal are looking to do 3 in a row Anglo Celts, something which only four counties have previously achieved - Antrim (1910), Cavan (1949), Down (1961) and Armagh (2006). 97Cavans (Cavan) - Posts: 447 - 10/04/2026 12:56:36 2665580 Link 0 |
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Down may have beat Wexford in that DIvision 2 final, but didn't look great, but we know from Championship last season what they can do, so they won't be underestimated. I can't see Armagh losing to Tyrone, unless Tyrone pull of one of the greatest shockers in modern history, so I expect a Armagh v Donegal SF. I think trying to beat this Armagh team for 3 consecutive years in Ulster is by itself a massive challenge, then trying to win a 3rd Ulster title in a row is very elusive, we have failed twice to achieve it since 2011. No matter how well your going, somebody just seems to raise their game to knock you off the perch. It would be an amazing achievement if we do it. On the other side, Derry will be a dangerous proposition, not so much because of McGuigan, rather because of the spine of their team is so strong with Benny Rogers, Gareth McKinless, Conor Glass, Cormac Murphy, Lachlan Murray, Niall Loughlin and Paul Cassidy all being brilliant players with vast experience. Ciaran Meenagh has turned a corner with them, I think they could be a dark horse for the Anglo Celt in 2026. Monaghan have been depleted with injuries, not sure if they will recover much for Championship, Cavan have quality players, but for some reason never seem able to push on to the next level. Last season you beat Mayo in Castlebar, maybe caught them cold, but it was a shock. But it also showed what Cavan are capable of, but I don't know is it lack of depth or whatever, just always seem hot and cold. Killian Clarke and Gearoid McKernan would have walked into any other Ulster team in the last 10 years. Fermanagh seem to be rebuilding, they barely have the numbers, and nothing changes with Antrim. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1727 - 10/04/2026 17:12:51 2665646 Link 0 |
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Donegal looked incredible in the league final but so did Derry few years back and they limped out in a quarter final. Fair play to donegal if they keep that intensity up throughout the year but there has to be some lull and I think winners this weekend which will be closer than people think will win Ulster. Donegal will come back in all ireland series to possibly go all the way this time. seanie08 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1971 - 10/04/2026 20:40:28 2665678 Link 0 |
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That was the Derry v Dublin Division 1 final in 2024, the Stadium was packed with Derry fans and Dublin fans, afterwards Derry celebrated big after getting such a hard fought win over Dublin in Croker. Big difference this time, Donegal were delighted to beat Kerry in Croke Park, but more so as confidence booster ahead of Championship, something to build on, as we know that Kerry will be a much more dangerous beast later in the year if we face them. But there were no big celebrations about us winning the league that night, it was job done, move on. As for Donegal intensity, before that Kerry game, we stumbled over the line against Monaghan the week before and lost to Roscommon down in Dr Hyde Park the week before that, then boom at Croke Park against Kerry. I think there are planned lulls, games were we understand that we don't need to go full throttle, maybe play less rigid. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1727 - 10/04/2026 21:43:25 2665685 Link 0 |
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Yes it is difficult to do the three in a row. Looking forward to tomorrow now. Although it feels strange playing Ulster championship in the cold, wind and rain. Looking at the lineups, Armagh are missing key players from previous years; Grimley, Forker, Soupy Campbell, Rian O'Neill, Conor Mackin and then Murnin, Turbitt and Grugan seem to be carrying injuries. Ethan Rafferty on the bench seems odd to me also 97Cavans (Cavan) - Posts: 447 - 11/04/2026 21:17:14 2665820 Link 0 |
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Expect Armagh to take care of Tyrone, but will probably be closer than some expect. Mobaghan depleted by injuries but will have way toonmuch for a Cavan team who were very lucky to stay in Division 2. Derry should overcome Monaghan in the semi final. Donegal's 3 in a row will have to wait as I doubt the will overcome Armagh for a 3rd time. It should all end with Armagh finally ending their wait for another Ulster Title. ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 986 - 12/04/2026 01:06:19 2665836 Link 0 |
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"Mobaghan" is a new one, but it works well actually
97Cavans (Cavan) - Posts: 447 - 12/04/2026 12:10:05 2665864 Link 0 |