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Football Championship 2026

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If I was Jack o Connor I wouldnt be one bit worried. Donegal beat them by 10 points in league final on Sunday and Kerry beat Donegal in AI final by ten points last July. Its easy to see who is the most wounded, humiliated and why. At least Kerry made some sort of a revival on Sunday and also missing several key players. You could see some order being restored as soon as Paul Geaney scored a 2 pointer within minutes of coming on. But the one Donegal really wanted playing was Paudie Clifford. Whether by choice by Kerry mgmt or injury Donegal wanted him playing. Let's move to the gruelling Ulster championship ahead of Donegal with an Armagh team awaiting in the semi..Thats the Ulster final right there. Kerry have the luxury of Munster even though Cork have improved and tgey will get an easier draw in AI series. The intensity Donegal brought on Sunday was high but made look better by a tired side who played guess who the week before..Armagh!! I think McGuiness ploy to win Ulster this year and an AI is a step too far especially after winning the league..I dont necessarily blame him for going for everything but I just feel that fatigue will catch up with them..You seen Murphy last July he was off pace on the day that mattered most.. Its definitely time that he comes on as impact sub, keep him fresh, injury free and keep him effective.. Id love to see Donegal winning the AI especially for Ryan McHugh one of the most underrated players ever and of of Donegals best ever. To finish ..if I were a Kerry player id be basking in the Portigul sun instead of rainy Sligo....on 2nd thoughts after Sunday id say it'll ve more like Alcatraz!!

Dothesimplethingswell (Sligo) - Posts: 57 - 01/04/2026 11:55:20    2664241

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I can see Meath winning Leinster, Ulster is open as always, you could make a case for 3 or 4 teams with a big chance, Kerry will walk through Munster without breaking much of a sweat, Connacht probably Mayo will end Galway's dominance if they mange to beat the Rossies.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3809 - 01/04/2026 11:57:42    2664243

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Replying To S1234:  "Ye honestly think ye will win AI haha would not write kerry off . Jack is a cute hoor."
No one is writing Kerry off? They are still the team to beat especially now with the way they lost on Sunday.

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 892 - 01/04/2026 12:07:17    2664245

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Replying To Scenicparish:  "Donegal will çertainly be trying to win 3 in a row in Ulster a feat Donegal never done before.
Winning Ulster also gives them a better draw later on."
Yeah, this is also important. It's probably more advantageous to be in a provincial final this year than in previous years. If we get over Down, Armagh (who you'd have to fancy to come through) will be absolutely gunning for us and there's never much between the sides so it would be a real tough battle.

WeGoAgain (Donegal) - Posts: 161 - 01/04/2026 12:15:27    2664247

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Replying To Seanfan:  "With a lot of younger lads not as conditioned as 'old dogs" and Diarmuid, Daire and Enda not getting as much space as Championship games hot up we might find it tough this year."
Whatever about winning Ulster for Donegal getting to the final will be crucial.Not getting to the final could result in an away trip to Kerry,Galway or Cork.With the provincial draws this year those 3 teams are almost 100% guaranteed a home game in the first All Ireland game.Meath should also have a straight forward run to the Leinster final.Being in provincial finals is very important but winning them doesn't really matter from an All Ireland point of view.

gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1244 - 01/04/2026 12:26:50    2664248

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Replying To Dothesimplethingswell:  "If I was Jack o Connor I wouldnt be one bit worried. Donegal beat them by 10 points in league final on Sunday and Kerry beat Donegal in AI final by ten points last July. Its easy to see who is the most wounded, humiliated and why. At least Kerry made some sort of a revival on Sunday and also missing several key players. You could see some order being restored as soon as Paul Geaney scored a 2 pointer within minutes of coming on. But the one Donegal really wanted playing was Paudie Clifford. Whether by choice by Kerry mgmt or injury Donegal wanted him playing. Let's move to the gruelling Ulster championship ahead of Donegal with an Armagh team awaiting in the semi..Thats the Ulster final right there. Kerry have the luxury of Munster even though Cork have improved and tgey will get an easier draw in AI series. The intensity Donegal brought on Sunday was high but made look better by a tired side who played guess who the week before..Armagh!! I think McGuiness ploy to win Ulster this year and an AI is a step too far especially after winning the league..I dont necessarily blame him for going for everything but I just feel that fatigue will catch up with them..You seen Murphy last July he was off pace on the day that mattered most.. Its definitely time that he comes on as impact sub, keep him fresh, injury free and keep him effective.. Id love to see Donegal winning the AI especially for Ryan McHugh one of the most underrated players ever and of of Donegals best ever. To finish ..if I were a Kerry player id be basking in the Portigul sun instead of rainy Sligo....on 2nd thoughts after Sunday id say it'll ve more like Alcatraz!!"
The league final was way more one sided than the All Ireland to be fair. Donegal got it back to 4 mid way through the 2nd half of the All Ireland, still well beat but not the beating Kerry got Sunday.
I agree that Kerry are still the team to stop come June and July but I'm happy too see the Kerry boys in the media brushing over this one. If they were talking Donegal up and Kerry down I'd be more worried.
Kerry's dismissive, slightly arrogabt attitude to the result will give Mcguiness plenty of ammo to fuel the fire.

JimB1991 (Donegal) - Posts: 140 - 01/04/2026 12:40:45    2664250

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Replying To JimB1991:  "The league final was way more one sided than the All Ireland to be fair. Donegal got it back to 4 mid way through the 2nd half of the All Ireland, still well beat but not the beating Kerry got Sunday.
I agree that Kerry are still the team to stop come June and July but I'm happy too see the Kerry boys in the media brushing over this one. If they were talking Donegal up and Kerry down I'd be more worried.
Kerry's dismissive, slightly arrogabt attitude to the result will give Mcguiness plenty of ammo to fuel the fire."
He's right, if I was Kerry wouldn't be one bit worried either. That's Donegal done now, their strongest hand played, to hopefully cast doubt in Kerry later on in the season psychologically, when they get outplayed. Kerry were messing.

Always a gamble to play strongest hand out of the block to make a statement. Limerick tried to do it to Cork last year in hurling, to put them in their box, but got battered thereafter. Donegal will be the same.

We're led to think Donegal have great individual talent relative to other top counties, but they don't. Its a case of the whole is better than the sum of the parts. It's the system with them, and they'll burn out. Always do.

Meath and Kerry both cruising without fielding full teams once, or even getting out of first gear yet. That's where all the individual talent lies at the minute and it will be between them. Both operating at a different level to the rest in terms of the talent available upfront tbh!

32_4_1 (Meath) - Posts: 4207 - 02/04/2026 02:04:39    2664363

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Replying To 32_4_1:  "He's right, if I was Kerry wouldn't be one bit worried either. That's Donegal done now, their strongest hand played, to hopefully cast doubt in Kerry later on in the season psychologically, when they get outplayed. Kerry were messing.

Always a gamble to play strongest hand out of the block to make a statement. Limerick tried to do it to Cork last year in hurling, to put them in their box, but got battered thereafter. Donegal will be the same.

We're led to think Donegal have great individual talent relative to other top counties, but they don't. Its a case of the whole is better than the sum of the parts. It's the system with them, and they'll burn out. Always do.

Meath and Kerry both cruising without fielding full teams once, or even getting out of first gear yet. That's where all the individual talent lies at the minute and it will be between them. Both operating at a different level to the rest in terms of the talent available upfront tbh!"
Not sure what gear Meath were in the AI semi final last year but it looked like reverse. The 'individual talent' was of no use in that game.

Donegal simply fixed many of the mistakes from last year's final matching up in midfield, negating the short kick out for Kerry and using the keeper as an extra defender. Of course Kerry will be better later in the year, as will many teams but Donegal did not have the full team available, so they will have options too.

I think this is a wind up - how did Cork hurling finish up last year !

Jimmymark2 (Donegal) - Posts: 19 - 02/04/2026 11:28:53    2664383

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "Not sure what gear Meath were in the AI semi final last year but it looked like reverse. The 'individual talent' was of no use in that game.

Donegal simply fixed many of the mistakes from last year's final matching up in midfield, negating the short kick out for Kerry and using the keeper as an extra defender. Of course Kerry will be better later in the year, as will many teams but Donegal did not have the full team available, so they will have options too.

I think this is a wind up - how did Cork hurling finish up last year !"
Meath get a couple of good wins under their belt for the first time in years and suddenly think they are the masters. He was a day late with his post.

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2606 - 02/04/2026 12:23:33    2664393

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Replying To 32_4_1:  "He's right, if I was Kerry wouldn't be one bit worried either. That's Donegal done now, their strongest hand played, to hopefully cast doubt in Kerry later on in the season psychologically, when they get outplayed. Kerry were messing.

Always a gamble to play strongest hand out of the block to make a statement. Limerick tried to do it to Cork last year in hurling, to put them in their box, but got battered thereafter. Donegal will be the same.

We're led to think Donegal have great individual talent relative to other top counties, but they don't. Its a case of the whole is better than the sum of the parts. It's the system with them, and they'll burn out. Always do.

Meath and Kerry both cruising without fielding full teams once, or even getting out of first gear yet. That's where all the individual talent lies at the minute and it will be between them. Both operating at a different level to the rest in terms of the talent available upfront tbh!"
You're a few hours too late with that April Fools post.

Have you still not got over the 20 points pumping we give you last July?

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1532 - 02/04/2026 12:28:56    2664394

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "You're a few hours too late with that April Fools post.

Have you still not got over the 20 points pumping we give you last July?"
It was sent at 2am! Probably still thought it was April 1st!

Selwyn (Meath) - Posts: 450 - 02/04/2026 13:14:26    2664405

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "Not sure what gear Meath were in the AI semi final last year but it looked like reverse. The 'individual talent' was of no use in that game.

Donegal simply fixed many of the mistakes from last year's final matching up in midfield, negating the short kick out for Kerry and using the keeper as an extra defender. Of course Kerry will be better later in the year, as will many teams but Donegal did not have the full team available, so they will have options too.

I think this is a wind up - how did Cork hurling finish up last year !"
Take a look at the Meath team and subs that were brought on last weekend versus Donegal game last year and perhaps have a bit of a think about it. Jack Flynn and Cian McBride were not playing plus Menton went off early last year. Jack O'Connor, Aaron Lynch plus four of the 5 subs, Conlon, Hickey, Smyth and Martyn are either new to panel or were all injured for semi last year. Donegal also have a different team so its all about 2026 and 2025 is in the past. Don't think too many pay much attention to semi finals when they get buried in the final itself.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 965 - 02/04/2026 13:32:35    2664409

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Take a look at the Meath team and subs that were brought on last weekend versus Donegal game last year and perhaps have a bit of a think about it. Jack Flynn and Cian McBride were not playing plus Menton went off early last year. Jack O'Connor, Aaron Lynch plus four of the 5 subs, Conlon, Hickey, Smyth and Martyn are either new to panel or were all injured for semi last year. Donegal also have a different team so its all about 2026 and 2025 is in the past. Don't think too many pay much attention to semi finals when they get buried in the final itself."
Fair enough we were well beat in the final, no denying that. But Meath were obliterated in the semi final, no denying that either. Regardless who you did have or didn't have.

No denying the fact that this Donegal team have medals in their pocket either. The current Meath team (although young) picked up their first at the weekend. I see plenty of potential in that Meath team, but until they land a provincial title it will just be that.

I hope you do well this year but Meath need to back up all the talk coming from their supporters.

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1532 - 02/04/2026 13:42:52    2664411

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Replying To 32_4_1:  "He's right, if I was Kerry wouldn't be one bit worried either. That's Donegal done now, their strongest hand played, to hopefully cast doubt in Kerry later on in the season psychologically, when they get outplayed. Kerry were messing.

Always a gamble to play strongest hand out of the block to make a statement. Limerick tried to do it to Cork last year in hurling, to put them in their box, but got battered thereafter. Donegal will be the same.

We're led to think Donegal have great individual talent relative to other top counties, but they don't. Its a case of the whole is better than the sum of the parts. It's the system with them, and they'll burn out. Always do.

Meath and Kerry both cruising without fielding full teams once, or even getting out of first gear yet. That's where all the individual talent lies at the minute and it will be between them. Both operating at a different level to the rest in terms of the talent available upfront tbh!"
Is that what happened to Cork last year?

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 02/04/2026 14:42:04    2664431

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Take a look at the Meath team and subs that were brought on last weekend versus Donegal game last year and perhaps have a bit of a think about it. Jack Flynn and Cian McBride were not playing plus Menton went off early last year. Jack O'Connor, Aaron Lynch plus four of the 5 subs, Conlon, Hickey, Smyth and Martyn are either new to panel or were all injured for semi last year. Donegal also have a different team so its all about 2026 and 2025 is in the past. Don't think too many pay much attention to semi finals when they get buried in the final itself."
I had a think, it was a division 2 final so let's see what happens in Leinster before getting carried away. Your correct, all Donegal can take from that semi-final was that it was no help to us in the final with the fight Meath put up- would have been better on the other side of the draw.

Jimmymark2 (Donegal) - Posts: 19 - 02/04/2026 15:26:03    2664440

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Replying To winatallcost:  "Take a look at the Meath team and subs that were brought on last weekend versus Donegal game last year and perhaps have a bit of a think about it. Jack Flynn and Cian McBride were not playing plus Menton went off early last year. Jack O'Connor, Aaron Lynch plus four of the 5 subs, Conlon, Hickey, Smyth and Martyn are either new to panel or were all injured for semi last year. Donegal also have a different team so its all about 2026 and 2025 is in the past. Don't think too many pay much attention to semi finals when they get buried in the final itself."
Menton going off was a big loss for yous last year, things were pretty even up to then and then once we were able to get our hands on the ball consistently we were really on it that day with efficiency in attack and it was probably our best performance of the year in that regard

I would be very wary of Meath this year to be honest especially the more games yous have gotten in Croke Park will only do your players the world of good for later in the year. if we meet in the semi final again this year I wouldn't be anywhere near as confident as I was last year. Obviously we have designs on Sam there's no point pretending otherwise but outside of us and Kerry, I would rank Armagh Meath and Galway (if they can get a clear run with injuries) as the nearest contenders

CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 315 - 02/04/2026 16:11:29    2664450

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Replying To CCFabu:  "Menton going off was a big loss for yous last year, things were pretty even up to then and then once we were able to get our hands on the ball consistently we were really on it that day with efficiency in attack and it was probably our best performance of the year in that regard

I would be very wary of Meath this year to be honest especially the more games yous have gotten in Croke Park will only do your players the world of good for later in the year. if we meet in the semi final again this year I wouldn't be anywhere near as confident as I was last year. Obviously we have designs on Sam there's no point pretending otherwise but outside of us and Kerry, I would rank Armagh Meath and Galway (if they can get a clear run with injuries) as the nearest contenders"
Yes. Don't get me wrong. Donegal and Kerry plus perhaps Armagh are still seen as the teams most likely to win it and rightly so. Meath will have sole focus on early rounds of Leinster championship to try and get back to that final. An awful depends on form and fitness of key players and there is a long way to go yet before people have a clear idea. The draws for the All-Ireland series will also play as a factor but each of the top teams will be looking at their respective provincial championships first and foremost.

winatallcost (Meath) - Posts: 965 - 02/04/2026 16:44:00    2664456

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Only takes a wee bit of trolling to stir the pot and get everybody up in arms.

A lot of focus on Kerry, Donegal and Meath, but Connacht might be where its all at this year, very little noise about Galway, Roscommon or Mayo as we head into Championship, all very capable teams who could take any other team in the Country on any given day.

Galway are definitely demonstrated contenders, but I also think Roscommon could be real contenders if they keep all key players fit and the team gets traction through taking a big scalp in a battle in Croker.
Mayo are a bit of a unknown quantity at the minute, they got beat away to Kerry, but gave a lot of players a run out in the league and were very close last year despite going out in group stage. Something fresh about Connacht this year, I expect Galway to have a strong run.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1697 - 02/04/2026 16:57:08    2664461

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "I had a think, it was a division 2 final so let's see what happens in Leinster before getting carried away. Your correct, all Donegal can take from that semi-final was that it was no help to us in the final with the fight Meath put up- would have been better on the other side of the draw."
It wasn't lack of fight by Meath, its just the new rules.

If a team exposes weakness in your setup, its very easy for them to rack up a very high score before that can be rectified. Same with how Kerry exposed Donegal's flaws last year, by the time Jim reacted, the game was already out of sight. Same thing last Sunday, a quick flurry of goals and Kerry realised it was lights out before they could react.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1697 - 02/04/2026 17:01:34    2664463

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