Donegal county football team

Gaelic football team

Donegal

Sport:| Football
Irish:| Dún na nGall[1]
Nickname(s):| The Tír Chonaill men[2]
County board:| Donegal GAA
Manager:| Jim McGuinness
Captain:| Patrick McBrearty
Most appearances:| Neil McGee (195)
Top scorer:| Michael Murphy (500+)
Home venue(s):| MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey[1]
Recent competitive record
Current All-Ireland status:| Ulster W in 2024
Last championship title:| 2012
Current NFL Division:| 1 (4th in 2025)
Last league title:| 2007

First colours

Second colours

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Current season

The Donegal county football team represents Donegal in men's Gaelic football and is governed by Donegal GAA, the county board of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The team competes in the three major annual inter-county competitions; the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the Ulster Senior Football Championship and the National Football League.

Donegal's home ground is MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. The team's manager is Jim McGuinness.

Donegal was the third Ulster county to win an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (SFC), following Cavan and Down. The team last won the Ulster Senior Championship in 2025, the All-Ireland Senior Championship in 2012 and the National League in 2007.

The team is a major force in the sport.[3] Currently regarded as one of the best teams in the sport,[4] Karl Lacey won the 2012 All Stars Footballer of the Year, Michael Murphy won the 2009 All Stars Young Footballer of the Year and Ryan McHugh won the 2014 All Stars Young Footballer of the Year, while numerous other players have been selected on All Star teams. Donegal players comprised most of the 2012 All Stars Team of the Year, as well as all three nominations for Footballer of the Year, ultimately won by Lacey.[5] In addition, having been invited to assist the Celtic association football club in Scotland, Donegal manager Jim McGuinness became the first Gaelic football inter-county manager to have been offered a role at a professional sports team abroad.[6] McGuinness's services have also been sought by Premier League clubs.[7] In terms of style, "the system" deployed by McGuinness's team was likened to that of the Spanish association football team FC Barcelona.[8][9]

Donegal is one of only five counties to have defeated Kerry in their first Championship meeting — the others being Down (1960), Derry (1958), Dublin (1893) and Cork (1889).[10] Distances to games involving provincial opponents have been a problem.[11]

## Panel

[edit]

Team as per Donegal vs Meath in the 2025 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final, 13th July 2025[12]

| No.  | Player  | Position  | Club

|
|
|

1  | Shaun Patton | Goalkeeper | St Eunan's
2  | Finnbarr Roarty | Right corner-back | Naomh Conaill
3  | Brendan McCole | Full back | St Naul's
4  | Peadar Mogan | Left corner-back | St Naul's
5  | Ryan McHugh | Right half-back | Chill Chartha
6  | Eoghán Bán Gallagher | Centre back | Na Cealla Beaga
7  | Caolan McColgan | Left half-back | Naomh Pádraig
8  | Hugh McFadden | Midfield | Na Cealla Beaga
9  | Michael Langan | Midfield | St Michael's
10  | Shane O'Donnell | Right half-forward | St Eunan's
11  | Ciarán Thompson | Centre forward | Naomh Conaill
12  | Ciarán Moore | Left half-forward | St Eunan's
13  | Conor O'Donnell | Right corner-forward | Carndonagh
14  | Michael Murphy | Full forward | Glenswilly
15  | Oisín Gallen | Left corner-forward | Seán Mac Cumhaills
|  | No.  | Player  | Position  | Club

|
|
|

16  | Gavin Mulreany  | Goalkeeper | St Naul's
17  | Stephen McMenamin | Centre-back | Red Hughs
18  | Ódhran McFadden Ferry  | Wing-back | Ghaoth Dobhair
19  | Eoin McHugh | Wing-back | Chill Chartha
20  | Caolan McGonagle | Centre-back | Buncrana
21  | Odhrán Doherty  | Wing-forward | Naomh Conaill
22  | Patrick McBrearty (c)  | Corner-forward | Chill Chartha
23  | Jamie Brennan | Corner-forward | Réalt na Mara
24  | Niall O'Donnell | Corner-forward | St Eunan's
25  | Daire Ó Baoill | Wing-forward | Ghaoth Dobhair
26  | Jason McGee | Midfield | Chloich Cheann Fhaola

INJ Player has had an injury which has affected recent involvement with the county team.
RET Player has since retired from the county team.
WD Player has since withdrawn from the county team due to a non-injury issue.

## Management team

[edit]

Confirmed in August 2023, with additions noted:

* Manager: Jim McGuinness[13]
* Backroom team: Colm McFadden, Neil McGee, Luke Barrett[14]
* Goalkeeping coach: James Gallagher (announced November 2023)[15][16][17]

## Captains

[edit]

Main article: List of Donegal senior Gaelic football team captains

List of Donegal Gaelic Football team captains since 1992

Year(s) Captain 1992 Anthony Molloy 1998 John Joseph “John Joe” 2008 Kevin Cassidy 2009 Rory Kavanagh 2010 Kevin Cassidy 2011–2014 Michael Murphy 2015–2022 Michael Murphy (continued) 2023–present Paddy McBrearty

## Seasons

[edit]

Main article: List of Donegal county football team seasons

## History

[edit]

### Early years

[edit]

Following the first Donegal County Board's formation in 1905,[18] the county team's first football game was against Derry on 17 March 1906.

Donegal lost the 1933 "Home final" of the 1933 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship to Mayo (2–15 to 2–2), and the team then made its next appearance at Croke Park on Sunday 6 April 1952. The occasion was a National Football League semi-final and the opponent that day was Cork.[19]

### 1960s

[edit]

The sixties saw Donegal emerge as a footballing force, with victories to match their undoubted abilities. Unfortunately, they came into contact with a majestic Down machine that was also blistering the national stage with their prowess, becoming the first team from the North to win All-Ireland SFC titles in 1960, 1961 and 1968. Amazingly, Donegal's first appearance in an Ulster Senior Football Championship final was not until 1963, followed by a second appearance in 1966; Down won both.[20] That was a vintage year for Donegal; in 1963, Declan O'Carroll started in five Ulster finals in what went down as a "great year" for Donegal.[21]

### McEniff years 1970s–1980s: Ulster and Under-21 success

[edit]

The county came to the fore of Ulster football in the 1970s, winning its first Ulster SFC title in 1972. McEniff was player-manager of the 1972 team.[22][23][24] The win coincided with the county's first All Star—in the form of McEniff himself—in the second year of the award's existence. Reigning All-Ireland SFC champion Offaly defeated the Ulster SFC champion in the 1972 All-Ireland SFC semi-final, on the way to a second consecutive All-Ireland SFC title.

A second provincial title followed for Donegal in 1974. McEniff was again player-manager.[23][24] Galway — the All-Ireland SFC finalist from 1971 and 1973 — defeated Donegal in the 1974 All-Ireland SFC semi-final.

In 1979, Donegal reached the Ulster SFC final again, under the guidance of Sean O'Donnell, but lost to Monaghan.

In October 1982, Tom Conaghan managed Donegal to the 1982 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship title.[24][25]

McEniff returned as senior manager, and Donegal won a third provincial title in 1983, with ten members of the 1982 under-21 team included in the panel.[24] Seamus Bonner became the first player from the county to win the competition as a player on three occasions, having earlier won in 1972 and 1974.[24] Again though, Donegal lost to Galway in the 1983 All-Ireland SFC semi-final, ahead of what would become a notorious 1983 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final, known as the "Game of Shame".

Tom Conaghan took over as senior manager from McEniff after McEniff departed again in the mid-1980s.[when?] Over the course of his time as senior manager during the 1980s, Conaghan fell out with players such as Declan Bonner, Manus Boyle, Matt Gallagher, Barry McGowan and Sylvester Maguire.[26] Conaghan's spell as county manager ended with a heavy defeat to Tyrone.[26]

Donegal won the 1987 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship title, a success which provided the basis for future prosperity in the county. The under-21 team defeated Kerry in the final.[27] P. J. McGowan managed the 1987 under-21 team.[28]

### 1990s: Sam Maguire Cup

[edit]

McEniff returned as senior manager for a fourth time in September 1989.[26] He led the county to another Ulster SFC title in 1990, restoring players who had gone by the wayside, such as Bonner, Boyle, Gallagher, McGowan and Maguire.[26] Donegal lost to eventual All-Ireland SFC finalist Meath in the 1990 All-Ireland SFC semi-final.

However, Donegal would win the Ulster SFC title again in 1992. As a result of this victory a 1992 All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Mayo beckoned. Donegal overcame the men from Mayo to set up a 1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final meeting with raging-hot favourites Dublin. Donegal's greatest footballing accomplishment yet was realised on 20 September 1992 when the senior team defeated the highly fancied Dublin, by a scoreline of 0–18 to 0–14, to take the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time. Brian McEniff, serving in his second spell as Donegal manager, pulled the strings. Man of the Match Manus Boyle scored 0–9 (four from play), while Gary Walsh pulled off a great save from Vinny Murphy at the end. This was the zenith of this great Donegal team which contested five successive Ulster SFC finals between 1989 and 1993. The Donegal team of this era also contested the final of the National Football League three times in a four-year period (1993 v. Dublin, 1995 v. Derry, 1996 v. Derry) without success. McEniff soon stood down as manager.

Martin McHugh wanted to take charge of Donegal after McEniff left the job. However, he was prevented from doing so by the Donegal County Board in a snub that would be echoed in Jim McGuinness's numerous later attempts to get the same job—McGuinness was, however, ultimately successful; after being rejected by the Donegal County Board on several occasions he would go on to be Donegal's most successful manager since McEniff. McHugh was hurt by his rejection, saying: "I thought there was another All-Ireland in Donegal and that's why I went for that job. I thought there was another All-Ireland there, and there was a lot of good players coming too. But anyway, that's the way it worked out".[29]

It was 1987 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship-winning manager P. J. McGowan took over from McEniff in 1994.[30] He lasted till 1997.[31]

### Declan Bonner (first term): 1997–2000

[edit]

Declan Bonner managed the team between 1997 and 2000.[32][33] He began on his 32nd birthday, within four weeks of retirement.[34][35][36] He was informed of the decision to appoint him at 9.29 pm on 11 August 1997, after Anthony Molloy, past manager Conaghan and Pauric McShea all withdrew.[34] Charlie Mulgrew and Matt Gallagher were part of Bonner's management team.[37] Bonner led Donegal to the 1997–98 National Football League semi-final against eventual title winners Offaly and the 1998 Ulster SFC final against Derry — a last-minute Joe Brolly goal, accompanied by a few kisses to the crowd, put paid to that one.[34][35]

### John Joe and the Derrymen: 2000–2010

[edit]

Mickey Moran was appointed manager on a three-year term in August 2000, succeeding Declan Bonner.[38] Moran's first game in charge was a league victory at home to Offaly, a win achieved while fielding four debutants (Stephen Cassidy, Michael Doherty, Barry Monaghan and ... one other?).[39] During his tenure selector Michael Houston quit after a public falling out with Moran.[40] Moran's first year in charge of Donegal was a disappointing one, but 2002 was more successful, leading Donegal to the Ulster final (which the team lost to Armagh), and then to the 2002 All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Dublin.[41][42] However, in September 2002, he informed the county board he would not be staying for the third year of the term.[41] All-Ireland SFC winning manager Brian McEniff took the reins for the 2003 season. His first game back in charge, an away league fixture to Galway in Tuam in February 2003, ended in defeat.[43] However, McEniff guided Donegal to the 2003 All-Ireland SFC semi-final, the first time the team had played at this stage of the competition since 1992. The following year, Donegal reached another Ulster SFC final, again losing out to Armagh. McEniff stepped down after the 2005 season, to end his fourth and final tenure with his county.[44]

Michael Murphy scores a penalty in the 2008 Ulster Senior Football Championship

Brian McIver was appointed manager in 2006. His tenure saw a slight improvement in the fortunes of the team, as he led Donegal into Division 1 of the National Football League. However, the county had been without a trophy for 15 years. The team had contested the 1993 and 1998 Ulster SFC finals, but lost to Derry on both occasions. Defeat to Armagh in the same contest in 2002, 2004 and 2006 meant another decade passed without a championship trophy. Donegal contested the 2006 Division 2 final, but lost to Louth. The famine came to an abrupt end in 2007 when the senior football team won the National Football League title for the first time in the county's history. Donegal overcame Mayo at Croke Park on Sunday 22 April 2007, winning by a scoreline of 0–13 to 0–10. En route to the final, Donegal defeated Cork, Mayo, Tyrone, Dublin, Kerry, Fermanagh and Kildare, while drawing with Limerick.

McIver stood down as manager after the 2007 championship; however, he was reinstated before the beginning of the 2008 championship. In 2008, at a county board meeting, a motion of no confidence was tabled by the St Eunan's and Gaoth Dobhair clubs; as a result McIver felt compelled to resign.[45][46] Declan Bonner and Charlie Mulgrew were appointed "Joint Managers" when John Joe Doherty of the Naomh Columba club was said to have rejected the opportunity to become manager. However, Doherty entered negotiations before Bonner and Mulgrew were rubber stamped. He was later offered the job for a second time, which he accepted. Bonner and Mulgrew had contested that the procedure which led to the installing of John Joe Doherty as football manager in the county was flawed. The duo's case was heard November 2008, but had taken 13 days of deliberation for the DRA to reach a verdict. John Joe Doherty was appointed manager at the November county board meeting.[47] Bonner, Mulgrew and Doherty had been joined by Michael Houston, Francie Martin and Jim McGuinness on the shortlist to become manager.[32]

### McGuinness one: 2010–2014

[edit]

Donegal defeated Kildare in the 2011 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in Jim McGuinness's first season in charge.

In July 2010, Jim McGuinness, the then under-21 manager, was appointed as county senior manager, succeeding John Joe Doherty.[48] McGuinness had guided Donegal's under-21 team to the 2010 All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final. He was appointed to the senior management on a four-year term, with a review after two years. His first year in charge brought Donegal the National Football League Division 2 title, promotion to Division 1, the county's first championship win in four years, the county's first provincial title in 19 years, and made Donegal the third team in the history of the GAA to win a provincial title from the preliminary round. His second season brought a second consecutive provincial title, also achieved from the preliminary round, as well as a defeat of Kerry at Croke Park and a win over Cork on 26 August to secure a place in the 2012 All Ireland Football Final.

In 2010, after a disappointing championship, in which Donegal lost at home to Down after extra-time, and to Armagh in Crossmaglen by nine points in the first round of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers, John Joe Doherty resigned from his post as senior football manager.[49] The only candidate to replace him was Jim McGuinness. Upon his appointment on 26 July 2010,[50] McGuinness brought Kevin Cassidy and Michael Hegarty out of retirement, introduced many players from the under-21 side he had taken to the 2010 All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final, and introduced structure and discipline, a feature that many observers[who?] claimed was lacking in many talented Donegal teams between 1993 and 2011.

McGuinness's first major success as senior manager was to win the National Football League Division 2, when Donegal defeated Laois by a scoreline of 2–11 to 0–16 at Croke Park.[51] Donegal went unbeaten through the league season, except for the last league match proper, a loss to Laois.[52] Before the Division 2 Final, Donegal had topped the Division 2 league, and the team was guaranteed promotion, having achieved four wins, two draws, and one loss.[53]

After this victory, expectations for the county were high, with many pundits predicting that Donegal would win the Ulster SFC title.[54] Donegal faced Antrim in the 2011 Ulster SFC preliminary round, winning that game by a scoreline of 1–10 to 0–7.[55] This was the team's first championship win since 2007. This set up an away match against Cavan, from which Donegal once again emerged victorious, by a scoreline of 2–14 to 1–8. A more ominous test against Tyrone would follow this Cavan victory. The new defensive system developed by Jim McGuinness would be put to the test against a Tyrone team which had perfected the blanket defense tactic on the way to three All-Ireland SFC titles during the 2000s. Donegal fought their way to a 2–6 to a 0–9 win.[56]

This set up an Ulster SFC final meeting against a heavily fancied Derry, which one week prior to Donegal's victory over Tyrone, put 3–14 past an Armagh team which had just overcome Down, the 2010 All-Ireland SFC runner-up.[57]

Donegal v Mayo in the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final, won by Donegal

On 17 July 2011, in Clones, Donegal played in a first Ulster SFC final for five years, and a sixth Ulster SFC final since 1992. In front of a crowd of 28,364 Donegal beat Derry by 1–11 to 0–08 points. This was only the third time in the history of the Ulster SFC that a team which played in the preliminary round would win the final, following in the footsteps of Armagh in 2005 and Cavan 66 years earlier. On 30 July 2011, Donegal travelled to Croke Park to play Kildare in the 2011 All-Ireland SFC quarter-final. In an absorbing contest, a Kevin Cassidy point deep into extra-time sealed Donegal's progression to a first All-Ireland SFC semi-final since 2003. The semi-final against Dublin, which Dublin eventually won 0–8 to 0–6, was to be regarded as one of the lowest scoring but most absorbing championship duels in living memory.[58]

Then came the 2012 Ulster SFC. On 22 July 2012, Donegal retained the Ulster SFC title for the first time in history with a 2–18 to 0–13 victory over Down.[59] On 5 August 2012, Donegal defeated Kerry in the 2012 All-Ireland SFC quarter-final. The first ever championship meeting between the sides at senior level, it was only the second time in history that Kerry had been defeated at the quarter-final stage.[60] Ahead of the next match against Cork, few outside the county gave Donegal a chance, and Cork went into the game as heavy favourite to win the title itself (even though this was only the semi-final). Donegal endeavoured to swat aside a lacklustre Cork side with ease, and progressed to a first title decider since 1992.[61] Tyrone's Mickey Harte, attempting to analyse the game for the BBC, expressed his shock: "To be honest, I could not see that coming. Donegal annihilated Cork, there is no other word for it."[62] Martin McHugh, a member of the successful 1992 side, said it was the best ever performance by any Donegal team, including his own.[63] Donegal then emerged victorious from the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final on 23 September 2012, to take the Sam Maguire Cup for a second time, with early goals from Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden ensuring that Mayo were never really in the contest.[64] Donegal defeated Mayo, on a scoreline of 2–11 to 0–13. Man of the Match was awarded to Michael Murphy, who scored 1–4.

The 2013 season brought great expectation, with Donegal beginning it as the reigning All-Ireland SFC title holder. However, the team suffered relegation from Division 1 of the National Football League early in the year. In the 2013 Ulster SFC, Donegal dispatched Tyrone and Down to set up a provincial decider with Monaghan. The Monaghan team was unfancied coming into the game, with most of the pressure on the shoulders of the Tír Conaill men. Despite this, Monaghan defied the odds and emerged as winner by a scoreline of 0–13 to 0–7.[65] After defeating Laois in a 2013 All-Ireland SFC fourth round qualifier, Donegal faced a Mayo team looking for revenge in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final. They got that revenge, and got it hard, with a 4–17 to 1–10 drubbing that ended Donegal's bid to retain the Sam Maguire.[66]

2014 saw a resurgent Donegal claim promotion from Division 2 of the National League, alongside Monaghan. Donegal overcame Derry in a tense 2014 Ulster SFC quarter-final and Antrim in the Ulster SFC semi-final, to set up another Ulster SFC final clash with Monaghan. This time Donegal came out on top, by three points, to reclaim the Ulster SFC title. A meeting with Armagh beckoned in the 2014 All-Ireland SFC quarter-final. An Odhrán Mac Niallais goal proved crucial, in a 1–12 to 1–11 win. This set up a daunting semi-final clash with 2013 All-Ireland SFC winner Dublin. At the time, this Dublin team was seen by many as unstoppable, and was heavy favourites for the clash with Donegal. Bookmakers had Donegal as low as 7/1 to win the game.[67] However, after surviving a first half onslaught, a Ryan McHugh goal gave Donegal the lead at half-time. In the second half, Donegal swept Dublin aside, running out six-point winners, with McHugh and Colm McFadden to the fore.[68] Kerry provided the final opposition, and, despite Kerry's traditional dominance, Donegal went into the game as favourite after that semi-final defeat of Dublin. Kerry upset the form books though, to claim a 2–9 to 0–12 win, and a 37th All-Ireland SFC title. Jim McGuinness stepped down in the aftermath of the game, having led his county to three Ulster SFC titles and an All-Ireland SFC title in his four years at the helm.

McGuinness won 83.33 per cent of his SFC matches during his first spell as Donegal manager (20 wins from 24 games); this included defeats, over a four-year period, of Armagh, Cavan, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Down, Kildare, Kerry, Mayo, Monaghan and Tyrone.[69]

### Between McGuinness: 2014–2023

[edit]

McGuinness's former assistant Rory Gallagher took over for the 2015 campaign, and the year began brightly with Donegal reaching the National League semi-final, losing out to Cork. Starting in the preliminary round of the 2015 Ulster SFC, Donegal defeated Tyrone, Armagh and Derry to set up a third successive Ulster SFC final, with now bitter rivals Monaghan. After winning tough games against Tyrone and Derry, Donegal would have been seen as the slight favourite going into the game. However, Monaghan prevailed by a single point, to consign Donegal to the 2015 All-Ireland SFC qualifiers.[70] Galway awaited Donegal there; Donegal put in an improved performance and won by a scoreline of 3–12 to 0–11. Donegal went in as the underdog to an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Mayo. So it proved, as Mayo won by a comfortable seven-point margin, to end Donegal's hopes for another year.

The 2016 season began with Donegal looking to reclaim the Ulster SFC title and make a serious assault on the All-Ireland SFC. The team again reached the semi-final of the National League, this time being defeated by Dublin. The team's 2016 Ulster SFC began with a tricky encounter against Fermanagh at MacCumhaill Park, which Donegal eventually won by four points after going down to 14 men.[71] The team faced familiar foe Monaghan in the Ulster SFC semi-final. After two intense games of football, Donegal won out to advance to a sixth successive Ulster SFC final, a feat only matched by the great Down side of the 1960s. Donegal would be up against Mickey Harte's Tyrone, a team appearing in its first final since 2010. Two injury time points handed Tyrone a first provincial title since 2010, and again Donegal headed for the 2016 All-Ireland SFC qualifiers. However, the team continued its recent good form in the qualifiers with a three-point victory over Cork, with Patrick McBrearty achieving an individual haul of 0–11.[72] Leinster and All-Ireland SFC title holder Dublin awaited Donegal in the 2016 All-Ireland SFC quarter-final. Dublin avenged the 2014 semi-final defeat, winning a close contest by a scoreline of 1–15 to 1–10. They required a late Paul Mannion goal to kill off the game and, with it, Donegal's championship aspirations for 2016.

A 2017 Ulster SFC semi-final capitulation to Tyrone and 2017 All-Ireland SFC exit to Galway at Markievicz Park and Gallagher was gone.[73][74][75][76]

Five contenders for the senior manager emerged: minor manager Shaun Paul Barrett, Declan Bonner, Cathal Corey, Gary McDaid and Séamus McEnaney.[77] Bonner was announced as manager on 22 September 2017, taking charge for a second time.[78]

Donegal won the 2018 Ulster SFC title.[79] Senior players Jason McGee and Niall O'Donnell were not part of this one, as they decided to drop down to play with the under-20 team instead, between league and championship.[80]

Donegal won the 2019 Ulster SFC title.[81]

Bonner was reappointed for another two-year term as manager at the end of August 2021, when no other candidates emerged to succeed him.[82]

He left the role in mid-2022.[83] Then long-time captain Michael Murphy announced his retirement from inter-county football on 16 November 2022.[84][85][86] Murphy's retirement, at the age of only 33, was unexpected.[87] He released a statement via the county board. It was all going very, very wrong for Donegal.[88]

### McGuinness: The Second Coming

[edit]

Donegal went out of the 2023 All Ireland race in a preliminary quarter final defeat to Tyrone that June, an unequivocal deterioration in standards overseen by Aidan O'Rourke, who was assisted by Paddy Bradley. O'Rourke was not cut out for the job at hand and was "clearly shaken" by the experience, according to the Irish Independent.[89] Captain McBrearty, by now the longest serving player since Murphy's retirement, took the lead. He had had enough. He managed to locate the whereabouts of McGuinness's house deep in northern Donegal, a long way from Kilcar on the southwest coast - the pair "hadn't seen each other in a long time", McBrearty admitted. McBrearty led a group of players on a march to get into the McGuinness house. They "doorstepped" McGuinness, attempting to get him off guard and to get him to return as manager of the team. The players did not know what to expect. Not even McBrearty, the one who knew him most of all, was sure. By McGuinness's account a total of five players "arrived" after that Tyrone defeat. They sat about and chatted for a bit. McBrearty, speaking later, reported that McGuinness "never said no basically... Obviously if he said no, that would have been fine. It wasn't just one conversation, there was a few conversations obviously". Within "a few days", feelers were put out to the other players as McGuinness tried to suss out whether he would be welcome as their manager or if they would be interested in taking instructions from someone like him.[90]

In August 2023, it began to be widely reported that Jim McGuinness would be returning as Donegal manager.[91] On 20 August, Donegal GAA brought forward its monthly county board meeting to the following evening, where the only thng on the agenda was about appointing the new manager.[92] Finally, on the evening of Monday the 21st of August, the return of McGuinness was confirmed in sensational fashion at that meeting, year one of three (with an option of a fourth) beginning pronto.[93] It was big news the length and breadth of the sport throughout the island, with James Horan's return to the Mayo fold that same evening having to settle for second place as Horan slipped in quietly amid all the fuss over McGuinness.[94] So it was back to the hard road again for McGuinness, very much like in 2010 when he had first took over. For the 2024 season, McGuinness led Donegal to the National Football League Division 2 title (and, with that, promotion to Division 1), the Ulster SFC title and the All-Ireland SFC semi-final, an exact replica of his first year (even with the exact same two-point defeat at the All-Ireland SFC semi-final stage). He did this without his All-Ireland SFC-winning captain Michael Murphy, who had, of course, retired from inter-county football. 2024 also notably saw Mickey Harte manage Derry to a heavy home defeat against Donegal in his only Ulster championship game as Derry manager. Donegal were able to carve out numerous goal opportunities due to Derry's tactics, but only managed to score four of them.[95][96][97][98] The Irish Times described the game as a "classic".[99] The newspaper also named Donegal's first goal, scored with a lob into an empty net as Derry goalkeeper Odhrán Lynch ran back up the pitch after vacating his goal, as its "Moment of the Year".[100] Harte left at the end of the season.[101]

Michael Murphy returned from his self-imposed exile with the 2025 season about to get underway. For this one, McGuinness set about making a carbon copy of his second season, which would require him to retain the Ulster title and add the All-Ireland to it. He would end up dealing with Kerry and their manager Jack O’Connor in both (2012 All-Ireland Quarter-final and 2025 Final). In the early part of the year McGuinness realised his plan was in jeopardy: Donegal were running away with the 2025 NFL Division 1 title, a mistake which he had been so careful to avoid in 2012. So, McGuinness supposedly changed tack to ensure Donegal did not finish in the top two of the NFL and have an extra game in an already quite compact season (if it had been 2012 there would have been two extra games as there was a semi-final that year). Many people (especially in the other three provinces) did not fully appreciate the danger involved in Donegal having to play the league final.[102][103][104] But Donegal had an Ulster preliminary round date with Derry booked, so had a long season ahead if McGuinness's plan was to come to fruition. Even with the change of plan, Donegal had a narrow escape. At MacHale Park in the final game, Mayo player Eoin O'Donoghue fouled Aaron Doherty and conceded a penalty.[105] Mayo had only a two-point lead. If Donegal scored it, they were in danger of making the league final. After some uncertainty among the players over what to do, up stepped Daire Ó Baoill with the clock showing 67 minutes of the 70 had been played. Ó Baoill had a bit of a soccer background and had fired home one of the penalties that had downed Armagh in the 2024 Ulster Final, so he knew many tricks of the trade. Instead of firing wide though, he opted to hit the target. Mayo goalkeeper Colm Reape fumbled and nearly let the ball in under him. Ó Baoill even had to run forward, as players do when there might be a rebound. But to the relief of everyone on both sides, Reape gathered and prevented the ball from going into the Mayo net. Shortly afterwards, with play continuing, a Hugh McFadden attempt at a point rattled off the angle of post and crossbar and nearly went into the Mayo goal. It was another narrow escape. But soon the hooter sounded and Donegal had consigned Mayo to a league final (which they lost anyway).[106][107][108] Donegal ultimately finished in fourth position, two positions below what would have caused them to qualify for further league play. This is exactly what happened in 2012 when Donegal also finished two positions below the league semi-final positions and, in 2012, one position above being relegated, such was the precision of McGuinness's planning that year. Donegal followed through their narrow escape from having to play in a league final by retaining the Ulster title, just as they had done in 2012, when McGuinness had his first go at managing Donegal.[109] The All-Ireland turned out to be more like 2014 though. Ulster opposition accounted for in the quarter-final (Armagh first time round, Monaghan this time), then Leinster opposition dispatched in the semi-final (Dublin first time round, Meath this time, with Donegal scoring three goals in both semi-finals). But Donegal could only play what was put in front of them. McGuinness had no control over that. Then Munster opposition in the final and - ominously - it was to be Kerry, again.[110]

## Supporters

[edit]

The team has an official supporters' club called, simply, Donegal GAA Supporters' Club. The chairperson is Father Brian Quinn, the secretary is Catriona McCaffrey and the joint treasurers are Grace Boyle and Brendan Brady.[111][112] It existed from the early 1990s until 2006 before being resurrected following the winning 2012 All-Ireland SFC campaign.[113][111] The aim of the club is to provide financial assistance to the team.[113]

Daniel O'Donnell has performed fundraising concerts for the team.[114][115] He and his wife Majella are regular spectators at games.[116] O'Donnell was at Croke Park for the 1992 All-Ireland SFC final and sang a duet with manager Jim McGuinness at the 2012 All-Ireland SFC homecoming in Donegal Town.[117][118] Former Ireland international goalkeeper Shay Given is a supporter and has helped trained the team.[119][120] Séamus Coleman is another prominent supporter who has attended games.[121][122] Actor Matthew Broderick is another supporter of the team.[123] The "banana bunch" were noted for bringing inflatable bananas to games in the early 1990s.[124] Christy Murray and his bagpipes have featured in the approach to and aftermath of games for several decades.[125][126]

## Colours and crest

[edit]

Donegal play since foundation in green and gold kits, which are also the colours of the board's logo and of the county crest, because they recall the gold of the sandy beaches of the county and the green of the well known Hills of Donegal. Despite the colours having always been the same during the years, their disposal has been very different for much of the team's history. The classic Donegal kit was composed of a green shirt with a golden hoop, white shorts and green and gold socks (identical to Kerry). In 1966, the board opted for golden shirts[127] but they turned green after only a short period, in the 1980s also often with green shorts. In 1992, when the team reached the All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Mayo, it had to use a change kit,[128] which was a gold shirt with green sleeves and green shorts. With an unexpected victory coming against the favorite Connacht side, Donegal decided to retain this colour combination for the final against Dublin. Donegal won a first All-Ireland SFC title and, since then, the team has favoured a yellow/gold shirt and green shorts.[129]

Usually Donegal wore as change kit gold shirts with green trim, or gold shirts with black trim (recalling Ulster GAA colours). Since the team switched to gold as its primary colour, change kits have been green or white.

Ahead of the 2022 season, a new kit was launched, featuring a "shadow print" naming each of the county's clubs.[130] It was replaced ahead of the 2024 season.[131]

### Kit evolution

[edit]

Classic kit

Ulster Final 1983

Ulster Final 1990

All-Ireland Final 1992

2005–08

Ulster Final 2011

All-Ireland Final 2014

Ulster Finals 2018 and 2019

|
|
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|
|
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|
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### Team sponsorship

[edit]

The following companies have sponsored Donegal.

Period  | Kit manufacturer  | Shirt sponsor

|
|

1991  | O'Neills | Donegal Chips
1992  | Donegal Creameries
1992–1993  | Magee Tailored
1994–1996  | Donegal China
1996–1999  | Donegal Creameries
2000–2002  | Abbey Hotel[132][additional citation(s) needed]
2003–2009  | Azzurri
2010–2013  | Donegal Creameries[133][134]
2014–2015  | O'Neills[135]
2016–2021  | KN Group[136]
2022  | Circet[137]

Evolve Clothing has supplied the team with casual and formal attire on All-Ireland SFC and Ulster SFC final days.[138]

## Managerial history

[edit]

Some of those asked if they were interested in succeeding Declan Bonner as manager in 2022 cited social media abuse as a reason for their lack of interest.[139]

Dates  | Name  | Origin | Honours  | Notes

|
|
|
|

?  | Columba McDyer | Glenties | ?  | —
1972–1975  | Brian McEniff | St Joseph's | 1972 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
1974 Ulster Senior Football Championship  | Player-manager
1975–1976  | John Hannigan | St Eunan's | ?  | —
1976–1977  | Brian McEniff (2)  | St Joseph's | —  | —
1977–1980  | Sean O'Donnell  | Dungloe | —  | —
1980–1986  | Brian McEniff (3)  | Réalt na Mara | 1983 Ulster Senior Football Championship  | —
1986–1989  | Tom Conaghan | Four Masters | ?  | —
1989–1994  | Brian McEniff (4)  | Réalt na Mara | 1990 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
1992 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship | —
1994–1997  | P. J. McGowan | Seán MacCumhaills | ?  | —
1997–2000  | Declan Bonner | Na Rossa | —  | —
2000–2002  | Mickey Moran |    | ?  | —
2003–2005  | Brian McEniff (5)  | Réalt na Mara | —  | —
2006–2008  | Brian McIver |    | 2007 National Football League | —
2008–2010  | John Joe Doherty | Naomh Columba | ?  | —
2010–2014  | Jim McGuinness | Naomh Conaill | 2011 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
2012 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship,
2014 Ulster Senior Football Championship | —
2014–2017  | Rory Gallagher |    | —  | —
2017–2022  | Declan Bonner (2)  | Na Rossa | 2018 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
2019 Ulster Senior Football Championship | —
2022–2023  | Paddy Carr | Gaeil Fhánada | —  | —
2023–  | Jim McGuinness (2)  | Naomh Conaill | 2024 Ulster Senior Football Championship | —

## Players

[edit]

### Notable players

[edit]

For individual player details, see list of Donegal inter-county footballers.

### Records

[edit]

|  |

|
|

#### Most appearances

[edit]

As of 1 May 2020. Neil McGee's total is from 2022, when he retired.

Neil McGee has the most senior appearances in the history of Donegal (195), breaking Colm McFadden's record (173) in 2019.

* The following are among those to have made the highest number of appearances for the senior team:

#  | Name  | Career | Apps

|
|
|

1  | Neil McGee | 2006–2022  | 195[140] or 194[141]
2  | Colm McFadden | 2002–2016  | 173[142]
3  | Frank McGlynn | 2006–2019  | 172
4  | Christy Toye | 2002–2016  | 163
5  | Brian Roper | 1995–2009  | 159[143]
6  | Michael Murphy | 2007–2022; 2025–  | 156[note 1]
7  | Eamon McGee | 2004–2016  | 154[141]
8  | Karl Lacey | 2004–2017  | 148[144]
9  | Matt Gallagher | 1981–1995  | 147
10  | Rory Kavanagh | 2002–2016  | 146
11  | Neil Gallagher | 2003–2017  | 140[145]
12  | Martin McHugh | 1981–1994  | 138
13  | Brendan Dunleavy | 1975–1989  | 137
Paul Durcan | 2004–2015
15  | Adrian Sweeney | 1996–2008  | 136
16  | Donal Reid | 1983–1993  | 135
17  | Gary Walsh | 1984–1996  | 133
18  | Brian Murray | 1984–1998  | 131
19  | Seamus Bonner | 1972–1985  | 129
Joyce McMullan | 1982–1994  | 129
21  | Michael Hegarty | 1999–2011  | 127[146]
22  | Noel McCole | 1974–1984  | 123
Anthony Molloy | 1982–1994  | 123[25]
Kevin Cassidy | 2002-2011  | 123
25  | Damian Diver | 1995–2006  | 120[147]

Notes

1. ^ Michael Murphy's total is not updated to include appearances he made in the years before his retirement, or since his return.

#### Top scorers

[edit]

Updated 14 August 2018.[148]

Michael Murphy is Donegal's top scorer with more than 500 points. #  | Name  | Career | Total | Goals  | Points  | Apps | Average

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

1  | Michael Murphy | 2007–2022; 2025–  | 577[note 1] | 28[note 1] | 493[note 1] | 142[note 1] | 4.06[note 1]
2  | Colm McFadden | 2002–2016  | 513  | 25  | 438  | 173  | 2.97
3  | Martin McHugh | 1981–1994  | 444  | 16  | 396  | 138  | 3.22
4  | Manus Boyle | 1985–1998  | 350  | 14  | 308  | 116  | 3.22
5  | Adrian Sweeney | 1996–2008  | 340  | 16  | 292  | 136  | 2.5
6  | Brendan Devenney | 1998–2009  | 312  | 22  | 246  | 104  | 3
7  | Tony Boyle | 1992–2001  | 269  | 20  | 209  | 107  | 2.51
8  | Patrick McBrearty | 2011–  | 261[note 1] | 7[note 1] | 240[note 1] | 96[note 1] | 2.72[note 1]
9  | Declan Bonner | 1983–1995  | 229  | 12  | 193  | 110  | 2.08

Notes

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j As of August 2018.

### All Stars

[edit]

* v
* t
* e

Donegal All Stars

Donegal has 36 All Stars, as of 2024. 24 different players have won, as of 2024. No player has won more than four All Stars.

denotes that a player also won Footballer of the Year that season.

1972: Brian McEniff
1974: Donal Monaghan
1983: Martin McHugh
1990: Joyce McMullin
1992: Gary Walsh, Matt Gallagher, Martin Gavigan, Anthony Molloy, Martin McHugh2nd, James McHugh, Tony Boyle
1993: John Joe Doherty
2002: Kevin Cassidy
2003: Adrian Sweeney
2006: Karl Lacey
2009: Karl Lacey2nd
2011: Karl Lacey3rd, Kevin Cassidy2nd, Neil McGee
2012: Paul Durcan, Neil McGee2nd,  Karl Lacey 4th, Frank McGlynn, Neil Gallagher, Mark McHugh, Michael Murphy, Colm McFadden
2014: Paul Durcan2nd, Neil McGee3rd, Neil Gallagher2nd, Michael Murphy2nd
2016: Ryan McHugh
2018: Ryan McHugh2nd
2019: Michael Murphy3rd
2024: Peadar Mogan, Oisín Gallen

### Player of the Year

[edit]

Year | Winner | Club

|
|

1960 | Seamus Hoare | St Eunan's
1961 |  |
1962 | Frankie McFeely | Seán MacCumhaills
1963 | Brendan McFeely | Seán MacCumhaills
1964 | Paul Kelly | Cloich Cheann Fhaola
1965 | P. J. Flood | Four Masters
1966 | P. J. Flood (2) | Four Masters
1967 | John Hannigan | St Eunan's
1968 | Brian McEniff | St Joseph's
1969 | Declan O'Carroll | St Joseph's
1970 | John Boyle |
1985 | Brendan Dunleavy | Seán MacCumhaills
1986 | Martin Shovlin | Naomh Ultan
1987 | Noel McCole | Dungloe
1988[149] | Anthony Molloy | Ardara
1989 | Gary Walsh | Aodh Ruadh
1990[149] | Anthony Molloy (2) | Ardara
1991 | Matt Gallagher | Naomh Bríd
1992 | Barry McGowan | Killybegs
1993[150] | Marty Carlin | Red Hughs (Killygordon)
1994 | Sylvester Maguire | Aodh Ruadh
1995 |  |
1996 | Barry McGowan (2) | Killybegs
1997 | Jim McGuinness | Naomh Conaill
1998 | Brendan Devenney | St Eunan's
1999 | Brendan Devenney (2) | St Eunan's
2000 | Damian Diver | Ardara
2001 | Mark Crossan | St Eunan's
2002 | Adrian Sweeney | Dungloe
2003 | Barry Monaghan | Four Masters
2004 | Damian Diver (2) | Ardara
2005 | Neil Gallagher | Glenswilly
2006 | Karl Lacey | Four Masters
2007 | Rory Kavanagh | St Eunan's
2008 | Brian Roper | Aodh Ruadh
2009 | Michael Murphy | Glenswilly
2010 |  |
2011 | Karl Lacey (2) | Four Masters
2012 | Colm McFadden | St Michael's
2013[151] | Michael Murphy (2) | Glenswilly
2014 | Neil Gallagher (2) | Glenswilly
2015[152][153] | Frank McGlynn | Glenfin
2016 | Ryan McHugh | Kilcar
2017[154] | Patrick McBrearty | Kilcar
2018[155] | Eoghan Bán Gallagher | Killybegs
2019[156] | Michael Murphy (3) | Glenswilly

## Competitive record

[edit]

Donegal's only National Football League title win is from 2007, with Brian McIver as manager. Below is the team that defeated Mayo in the final.[157][158]

* 1 Paul Durcan
* 2 Neil McGee
* 3 Karl Lacey
* 4 Paddy Campbell
* 5 Barry Dunnion
* 6 Barry Monaghan
* 7 Paddy McConigley
* 8 Neil Gallagher (c)
* 9 Kevin Cassidy
* 10 Brian Roper
* 11 Ciaran Bonner
* 12 Christy Toye
* 13 Colm McFadden
* 14 Brendan Devenney
* 15 Michael Hegarty

Subs used: Kevin McMenamin for Devenney; Thomas Donoghue for McConigley; Eamon McGee for N. McGee; Rory Kavanagh for N. Gallagher; Adrian Sweeney for Bonner

Subs not used: Denis Boyle; Michael Boyle; Ryan Bradley; Benny Byrne; Michael Doherty; Joe Friel; Frank McGlynn; Johnny McLoone; Anthony Thompson; Leon Thompson; Peter Witherow

Other panel members included: Conall Dunne[159]

## Honours

[edit]

Official honours, with additions noted.[1]

### National

[edit]

The Donegal flag displayed on the day the county won the National Football League for the first time in 2007

* All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
* Winners (2): 1992, 2012
* Runners-up (1): 2014
* National Football League
* Winners (1): 2007
* Runners-up (3): 1992–93, 1994–95, 1995–96
* National Football League Division 2
* Winners (3): 2011, 2019, 2024
* All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship
* Winners (2): 1982,[25] 1987[citation needed]
* All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
* Runners-up (1): 2014
* All-Ireland Vocational Schools Championship
* Winners (6): 1984,[citation needed] 1985,[citation needed] 1995,[160] 1996,[citation needed] 2002,[citation needed] 2011[citation needed]
* RTÉ Team of the Year Award
* Winners (1): 2012[161]

### Provincial

[edit]

* Ulster Senior Football Championship
* Winners (12): 1972,[24] 1974,[24] 1983,[24] 1990,[26] 1992,[citation needed] 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018,[79] 2019,[81] 2024,[162] 2025[163]
* Ulster Junior Football Championship
* Winners (5): 1930, 1933, 1939, 1952, 1954
* Ulster Under-21 Football Championship
* Winners (8): 1963,[citation needed] 1964,[citation needed] 1966,[citation needed] 1982,[citation needed] 1987,[citation needed] 1995,[164] 2010,[164] 2017[165]
* Ulster Minor Football Championship
* Winners (7): 1956,[citation needed] 1985,[citation needed] 1991,[166] 1996,[167] 2006,[168] 2014,[169] 2016[citation needed]
* Ulster Vocational Schools Football Championship
* Winners (15): 1964, 1965, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
* Dr McKenna Cup
* Winners (11): 1963, 1965, 1967, 1975, 1985, 1991, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2018
* Dr Lagan Cup
* Winners (4): 1952, 1965, 1966, 1967

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Donegal — Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Uladh". Ulster GAA. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
2. ^ "Bonner happy with his lot". Hogan Stand. 30 May 2021. "For the second game running, the Tír Chonaill men came from behind to salvage a point as a late effort from man-of-the-match Paddy McBrearty secured them a place in the Allianz League Division 1 semi-finals at Armagh's expense."
3. ^ "Colm McFadden praises role of Donegal boss Jim McGuinness". BBC Sport. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
4. ^ "Football rankings: How does your county rate?". Hogan Stand. 7 March 2013. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
5. ^ "Donegal's Karl Lacey is named Gaelic Footballer of 2012". BBC Sport. 27 October 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
6. ^ Moran, Seán (9 November 2012). "McGuinness move would be huge blow to Donegal". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 November 2012. "Whereas the GAA has sustained a modest loss of players to the AFL over the years this is the first time that a top-rank inter-county manager has been offered a job in professional sport. McGuinness is unusual in the ranks of All-Ireland winning managers in that he has extensive academic qualifications in both sports science and sports psychology, in which he holds a masters degree."
7. ^ "Donegal dismiss reports linking Jim McGuinness to Liverpool FC". RTÉ Sport. 5 October 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
8. ^ O'Shea, Joe (27 August 2012). "Donegal one step from Sam after 20-year wait". Irish Independent. Retrieved 27 August 2012. "Cork never really got going. Outnumbered, out-sung and watching a supposedly 'negative' team suddenly transform themselves into the FC Barcelona of Gaelic football, the Rebels were left muttering about 'lads who didn't show up' and a manager who, to many of them at least, made some questionable calls…"
9. ^ "Jimmy's like Messi! Donegal are the Barcelona of GAA, say Cork legends". 27 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012. "Double All-Ireland winner Tony Davis… reckons Donegal play GAA the way Barcelona play soccer!"
10. ^ "Kerry full-house awaits Kilkenny". Irish Independent. 2 August 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
11. ^ O'Kane, Cahair (28 May 2019). "Devenney criticises decision to overlook Celtic Park in favour of Breffni". The Irish News. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
12. ^ "TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT". 11 July 2025.
13. ^ "It's official, Jim McGuinness is the new Donegal GAA Senior football team manager". CLG Dhún na nGall. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
14. ^ "McGuinness returns as manager of Donegal". BBC Sport. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
15. ^ Ferry, Ryan (9 November 2023). "Gallagher to return as goalkeeping coach". Donegal News. p. 72\. "James Gallagher is set for a third stint as the goalkeeping coach with the Donegal senior football team. Gallagher, pictured right, was previously involved during Rory Gallagher's time in charge, while he also worked with the netminders during Declan Bonner's last seasons at the helm. The Meenlaragh native was not involved in 2023 with Declan McIntyre taking on the role. However, Gallagher has been coaxed back by Jim McGuinness… [Gallagher] has previous experience of working with [Donegal goalkeeper] Shaun Patton… [Gallagher] donned the gloves for Glenswilly Gaelic football team during their 2016 Championship success."
16. ^ Craig, Frank (9 November 2023). "James Gallagher set to return as Donegal goalkeeping coach: Gallagher previously served under both Rory Gallagher and Declan Bonner and the Meenlaragh man looks set for another stint working with the Donegal senior goalkeepers". DonegalLive.ie. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
17. ^ "James Gallagher returns to Donegal as goalkeeping coach". Highland Radio. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
18. ^ "Heroes of '92 allowed Donegal to remove psychological barrier". Sunday Independent. 9 October 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
19. ^ "Firsts in Croke Park". St Eunan's website. Archived from the original on 11 August 2012.
20. ^ "Donegal's long journey to Croke Park". Retrieved 21 September 2016.
21. ^ Campbell, Peter (17 January 2021). "Started five Ulster finals in 1963 for Donegal - Declan O'Carroll's feat will never be repeated". Retrieved 17 January 2021.
22. ^ "Brian McEniff still doing important jobs at Bundoran GAA Club". 1 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018. "In 1972…, he took Donegal to their first ever Ulster SFC crown as player-manager."
23. ^ a b Bogue, Declan (9 May 2020). "My inspirational quartet that make up Ulster GAA's Mount Rushmore". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 9 May 2020. "As a player in 1972, he won an All-Star. Two years later, he won another as player-manager."
24. ^ a b c d e f g h Campbell, Peter (15 July 2008). "Donegal heroes of 1983". Donegal Democrat. Archived from the original on 18 December 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2008.
25. ^ a b c McNulty, Chris (7 June 2016). "Anthony Molloy: 'The man from the mist' gets Freedom of Donegal". Retrieved 7 June 2016.
26. ^ a b c d e McNulty, Chris (18 July 2015). "Donegal's 1990 Ulster winners will be honoured tomorrow — here is their story". Retrieved 18 July 2015.
27. ^ "Donegal downed the Kingdom back in 1987 too". Donegal Democrat. 2 November 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
28. ^ McNulty, Chris (20 July 2018). "Declan Bonner yearning for repeat of the long-term rewards from the golden age". Retrieved 20 July 2018. "At a homecoming reception in '87, PJ McGowan, the then U21 team manager made a prediction as he stood on a platform outside the Abbey Hotel."
29. ^ Craig, Frank. "Jim could have walked away – McGuinness: 'I had offers'". Letterkenny Post, 20 September 2012, pp. 44–45.
30. ^ Sharkey, Conor (19 July 2019). "The way we were: 25 years ago — July 20, 1994: McGowan new Donegal manager". Donegal News. "Forty-two-year-old PJ McGowan from Ballybofey has been appointed manager… He succeeds Brian McEniff who resigned from the post on June 26 and will be in charge of the team for three years."
31. ^ Moran, Sean (9 July 1997). "McGowan calls it a day with Donegal". The Irish Times.
32. ^ a b Keys, Colm (1 October 2008). "Bonner in the running for return to Donegal". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 October 2008.
33. ^ "Galway blow as Fallon to switch codes". Irish Independent. 11 February 1998. "Donegal also selected their team last night, and they handed league debuts to Martin Bonnar from Na Rossa, home club of new manager Declan Bonner, and John Haran of St Eunan's, Letterkenny."
34. ^ a b c McNulty, Chris (22 September 2017). "Declan Bonner: It'll be 'all or nothing' for Donegal's 'half mad' new manager". Retrieved 22 September 2017. "On the day of his 32nd birthday, on August 11, 1997, a flu-ridden Declan Bonner sat nervously in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey… McEniff… remains a close mentor of the Lettermacaward man."
35. ^ a b Harrington, Pat (31 August 2014). "Inside Back: Where are they now? and Have Your Say". Sunday Independent. Retrieved 31 August 2014.
36. ^ McNulty, Chris (29 June 2014). "Darach O'Connor leads Donegal's new generation – on and off the field". Donegal News. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2014.
37. ^ Campbell, Peter (28 September 2017). "Why can't Donegal unite behind new manager Declan Bonner?". Retrieved 28 September 2017. "It's not as if Declan Bonner hasn't served his time. He was just 32 years of age the last time he took on the mantle. It's hard to imagine that a 32-year-old would be given the job nowadays. Back then his assistants, Matt Gallagher and Charlie Mulgrew, weren't much older."
38. ^ "GAA: Moran takes over at Donegal helm". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 19 August 2000.
39. ^ "Donegal make light of conditions to give Moran the ideal start". The Irish Times. 30 October 2000.
40. ^ "Houston's big problem". BBC Sport. BBC. 30 May 2001. Retrieved 30 May 2001.
41. ^ a b "Moran quits Donegal job". BBC Sport Online. 2 September 2002. Retrieved 23 September 2008.
42. ^ Campbell, John (6 August 2008). "Mickey Moran heads west for Leitrim challenge". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 23 September 2008.
43. ^ Duggan, Keith (3 February 2003). "Meehan adds spark to Galway attack". The Irish Times.
44. ^ "McEniff quits Donegal – Independent.ie". Independent.ie. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
45. ^ "McIver quits Donegal hot seat". Inish Times. 3 September 2008. Archived from the original on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
46. ^ "Captain hits out at 'disgraceful' treatment of McIver". Irish Independent. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
47. ^ "Bonner and Mulgrew lose DRA case". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 9 December 2008. Archived from the original on 10 December 2008.
48. ^ "Jim McGuinness appointed Donegal football manager". RTÉ. 26 July 2010. Archived from the original on 1 July 2010.
49. ^ "Doherty resigns as Donegal manager". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 28 June 2010. Archived from the original on 1 July 2010.
50. ^ "McGuinness appointed as Donegal manager". BBC. 26 July 2010.
51. ^ "Donegal Win 2011 Division 2". RTÉ. 24 April 2011. Archived from the original on 30 August 2011.
52. ^ "RTÉ Sport: GAA — Ulster Football Championship Preview". RTÉ. 9 May 2011. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. RTÉ. 9 May 2011.
53. ^ "RTÉ Sport: GAA Football League Tables". RTÉ. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
54. ^ "Ulster Football Championship Preview". RTÉ. 10 April 2011. Archived from the original on 15 April 2011.
55. ^ "As it Happened: Donegal 1–10 Antrim 0-07". RTÉ. 15 May 2011. Archived from the original on 9 September 2012.
56. ^ "RTÉ Sport: GAA - Donegal 2-06 Tyrone 0-09". RTÉ. 26 June 2011. Archived from the original on 30 July 2011.
57. ^ [1]. BBC. 19 June 2011.
58. ^ "Dublin v Donegal, Croke Park, 7.15pm". 23 March 2012. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012.
59. ^ "History makers! Donegal double champions as Jim's boys retain Ulster title". 22 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
60. ^ "Donegal Topple Kerry to Set up Semi with Cork". 98FM. 5 August 2012. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. "Karl Lacey's injury-time point booked a date with Cork for the Ulster champions, who handed Kerry only their second-ever All-Ireland quarter-final defeat."
61. ^ Hannigan, Mary (27 August 2012). "Donegal may be in a league of their own, but no it's not rugby". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2012. "Over on BBC Northern Ireland they were no less befuddled… "Predictions?" asked Austin O'Callaghan. Jarlath [Burns of Armagh]: "Cork." Mickey [Harte of Tyrone]: "Cork." Paddy [Bradley of Derry]: "Cork." […] Final whistle. "Well?" asked Austin, but his guests didn't really know where – or how – to start."
62. ^ "Donegal annihilate Cork in All-Ireland Football semi-final". BBC. 26 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
63. ^ "McHugh applauds 'best ever' Donegal team". BBC. 26 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
64. ^ Jackson, Lyle (23 September 2012). "Donegal 2–11 0–13 Mayo". BBC. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
65. ^ O'Toole, Fintan (21 July 2013). "As it happened: Monaghan v Donegal, Ulster senior football final". The42.ie.
66. ^ O'Toole, Fintan. "As it happened: Mayo v Donegal, All-Ireland SFC quarter-final". The42.ie. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
67. ^ "All Ireland Football Semi-Final Preview — Dublin V Donegal". Pundit Arena. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
68. ^ Breheny, Martin (1 September 2014). "Donegal surge flattens Dublin in huge semi-final upset". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
69. ^ Foley, Alan. "Donegal dare to dream again". Donegal Yearbook 2023. Iconic Formpress, 30 Hatch Lane, Dublin 2. p. 90\. "Under McGuinness initially, Donegal, in four years, triumphed in 20 of his 24 championship matches — a winning percentage of 83.33. McGuinness oversaw victories over all of the established forces — Dublin, Kerry, Mayo, Cork, Armagh, Tyrone, Monaghan, Kildare, Derry, Cavan and Down, who, at the time, had 90 All-Irelands between them." About Donegal Yearbook 2023
70. ^ Mooney, Francis (19 July 2015). "Monaghan hold on to take Ulster title from Donegal". RTÉ. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
71. ^ Mooney, Francis (12 June 2016). "Odhran Mac Niallais brace powers Donegal into Ulster semi-finals". Retrieved 12 June 2016.
72. ^ Russell, Adrian (30 July 2016). "As it happened: Cork v Donegal, All-Ireland SFC qualifiers, Round 4B". The42.ie.
73. ^ "Rory Gallagher resigns as Donegal senior football manager". BBC Sport. 31 July 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
74. ^ "The pendulum has swung decisively in Tyrone's favour in the battle of Ulster's giants following a runaway win at Clones". Irish Examiner. 18 June 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
75. ^ Small, Daragh (22 July 2017). "Round 4A Qualifier: Impressive Galway advance". Retrieved 22 July 2017.
76. ^ Lawlor, Damian (4 October 2017). "Declan Bonner promises change in efforts to bring glory days back to Donegal". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 4 October 2017. "Last June, in the aftermath of Donegal's miserable capitulation in the Ulster SFC semi-final, a group of Tyrone players chatted in the dressing room, their opinions unified by the shock of what had just happened. The issue wasn't that they had won, but how easy it had been."
77. ^ Craig, Frank (2 September 2017). "Managerial process needs to be fair and transparent — Molloy". Donegal News. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
78. ^ "Bonner ratified as new Donegal boss". Hogan Stand. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
79. ^ a b Mooney, Francis (24 June 2018). "Energetic Donegal end Fermanagh's Ulster title dream". RTÉ. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
80. ^ Cannon, Chris (27 May 2018). "Niall O'Donnell joins Donegal U-20s panel". Retrieved 27 May 2018. "The pair were both involved in the senior team at the start of the year but made the decision to drop down before the championship started. This was key as they wouldn't have been allowed to join the U-20s panel had they already played for the senior team in the championship."
81. ^ a b Sweeney, Peter (23 June 2019). "Donegal power past Cavan to claim Ulster title". RTÉ. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
82. ^ Moran, Seán (30 August 2021). "Declan Bonner to stay on as Donegal manager for a further two years: No other candidates were proposed by the clubs in the county". The Irish Times. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
83. ^ Lawlor, Damian (20 July 2022). "Declan Bonner steps down as Donegal boss". RTÉ. Earlier article
84. ^ Retirement of Michael Murphy: Donegal GAA announcement Donegal Live article RTÉ announcement BBC announcement
85. ^ O'Connell, Cian (16 November 2022). "Michael Murphy retires from inter-county football". Retrieved 16 November 2022.
86. ^ "Donegal legend Michael Murphy retires from intercounty football". Hogan Stand. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
87. ^ Verney, Michael (16 November 2022). "End of an era in Donegal as Michael Murphy announces shock inter-county retirement". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
88. ^ "Michael Murphy announces retirement". Highland Radio. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
89. ^ "Aidan O'Rourke steps down as manager after Donegal crash out against Tyrone". independent.ie. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
90. ^ "Donegal captain Patrick McBrearty 'didn't know what to expect' door-stepping Jim McGuinness". donegallive.ie. 19 July 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
91. ^ McCoy, Niall (17 August 2023). "McGuinness in mix for sensational Donegal return". RTÉ Sport. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
92. ^ "Donegal hastily arrange meeting for manager update". RTÉ Sport. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023. "In an update this afternoon, Donegal asked delegates to attend the hastily arranged meeting on Monday at 7.30pm to discuss 'an update on the deliberations of the Senior Football Manager's Selection Committee'."
93. ^ "Donegal confirm return of Jim McGuinness as manager". RTÉ Sport. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
94. ^ Lawlor, Damian (21 August 2023). "Horan back on Mayo sideline after joining U20 set-up". RTÉ Sport. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
95. ^ Wilson, Michael (20 April 2024). "Donegal goal glut sinks Derry". RTÉ. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
96. ^ Bannon, Orla (20 April 2024). "Ulster SFC: Donegal hit four goals to stun champions Derry". BBC. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
97. ^ "GAA: Donegal stun Derry in Ulster". BreakingNews.ie. 20 April 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
98. ^ "Donegal sink Ulster champions Derry with four-goal blitz: Old fashioned barn burner in Derry as Donegal raid Celtic Park for goals". The42.ie. 20 April 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
99. ^ Clerkin, Malachy (21 April 2024). "Three goals directly from kick-outs make a fool of Derry goalkeeper Odhran Lynch as the visitors pull off a shock with echoes of their 2014 win over Dublin". The Irish Times. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
100. ^ Clerkin, Malachy (29 July 2024). "The best players, games and moments along with the biggest surprises and disappointments, as chosen by Irish Times writers". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 29 July 2024.
101. ^ Bogue, Declan (9 July 2024). "The inside story of Mickey Harte's year in Derry and ultimate resignation: The move of Derry in securing Tyrone's three time All Ireland winning manager came as a shock, but it hasn't worked out". The42.ie. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
102. ^ "Colm Boyle column: Donegal are clearly trying to avoid appearing in the League final". irishmirror.ie. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
103. ^ "Would Donegal be wise to reach the Allianz National League final?". donegallive.ie. 3 February 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
104. ^ "It's not right teams should want to avoid being in a league final - McGuinness". donegallive.ie. 2 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
105. ^ "Allianz FL D1: Mayo secure final place after win over Donegal". rte.ie. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
106. ^ "Mayo emerge from Donegal battle with win and Allianz League final spot". rte.ie. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
107. ^ "Mayo don't have the vibe of All-Ireland winners — cohesive, and pathologically locked in on one goal". independent.ie. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
108. ^ "Mayo beaten by Kerry in final that never caught fire". mayolive.ie. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
109. ^ "Donegal go the distance against Armagh to retain Ulster SFC crown". rte.ie. 10 May 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
110. ^ "Kerry v Tyrone in numbers: the game was won and lost on the kick-out battle and conversion rates". independent.ie. 14 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
111. ^ a b "Donegal GAA Supporters Club relaunched". 25 February 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
112. ^ McNulty, Chris (7 March 2013). "Clubs pledge €81,000 funding". Donegal News. Retrieved 7 March 2013. "With the newly-formed Supporters Club, chaired by Fr Brian Quinn, has been charged with funding €50,000 of this, the clubs have now commited [sic] to finding the remaining €81,000."
113. ^ a b "Your county needs you: Donegal GAA Supporters Club re-launches this weekend". 22 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
114. ^ "O'Donnell gig to help Donegal fans' club get going". Irish Examiner. 25 February 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
115. ^ "Daniel offers concert profits to help supporters'club relaunch". Donegal Democrat. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
116. ^ "Daniel O'Donnell supports Donegal footballers with fund-raising concert". Donegal News. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
117. ^ "1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Final: Dublin v Donegal". RTÉ Sport. 21 March 2020. Seen with his hand in the air waving enthusiastically to the upper left of the President of Ireland and Anthony Molloy, O'Donnell accepted a request for a kiss from a lady behind him.
118. ^ "Sam's home: Video of Jim and Daniel singing 'Destination Donegal'". 25 September 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
119. ^ Fennessy, Paul (28 May 2014). "Shay Given may attend training with Donegal footballers this week". The42.ie. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
120. ^ Farrell, Sean (31 May 2014). "Shay Given spent his Friday night at Donegal county training". The42.ie. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
121. ^ "Picture special: More of your incredible Donegal celebration pix from around the globe". 27 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012. "Seamus Coleman very politely and willingly stops to make Sean Thomas McMonagle, Mecheala and Nicole Cronin's day!"
122. ^ "DDTV: Video of a Donegal fan's day at Croke Park". 27 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012. "The GAA slogan says that you can't beat being there. And you really can't… There's even a cameo role later on from Seamus Coleman!"
123. ^ "Donegal gets A-lister backing from Matthew Broderick". Donegal Daily. 26 July 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025. "'we have flags up in our yard and we have one sticking out of our car', said Broderick."
124. ^ McNulty, Chris (22 March 2020). "Donegal sports fanatic scans the ages to keep supporters programmed". Retrieved 22 March 2020. "During the early 1990s, James was part of a colourful group of Donegal supporters dubbed the 'banana bunch', in honour of the inflatable bananas they'd bring to games."
125. ^ Doherty, Conan (2018). "Declan Bonner: The master tactician". JOE.ie. "Your man with the bagpipes is there. He's always there, trawling the sidelines before games to entertain the crowd in his green blazer and gold kilt. If you listen carefully enough, you can make out the tune to Caledonia on fast forward until he turns to the supporters in the stand with one fist in the air and one almighty, 'Up Donegal!'… But, because of that control, Christy Murray from Raphoe is able to wander the sidelines freely with his bagpipes right into the depths of summer."
126. ^ Walsh, Harry (27 February 2020). "Christy told to 'pipe down' at GAA HQ but he'll be back". Donegal News. Retrieved 27 February 2020. "I'm heading towards sixty years of age and I'm not trying to upset anyone."
127. ^ County Colours | About County | Provinces & Counties | About the GAA | GAA.ie Archived 5 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine
128. ^ Mayo traditionally play in green and red with white shorts.
129. ^ Donegal
130. ^ "New Donegal GAA Kit Launched in Donegal GAA Centre this Morning". Donegal GAA. 6 December 2021. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021.
131. ^ "New Donegal jersey launched at the Abbey Hotel". Donegal News. 2 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
132. ^ Campbell, Peter (28 November 2017). "Donegal Town's Abbey Hotel back as sponsor of Donegal GAA". Retrieved 28 November 2017. "The Abbey Hotel has a very long association with the GAA in Donegal where in the past they have been our main sponsor and have been great supporters of our teams and our games down through the years."
133. ^ "Donegal Creameries extends sponsorship of Donegal GAA". Hogan Stand. 29 January 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2013. "The deal will see Donegal Creameries continue the sponsorship of the All-Ireland champions in a partnership that first began in 2010."
134. ^ "Donegal get the cream". Hogan Stand. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
135. ^ McNulty, Chris (21 January 2014). "Donegal GAA officially launches lucrative three-year deal with O'Neill's". Donegal News. Retrieved 21 January 2014. "O'Neill's are back on board with Donegal as the official kit supplier, after a twelve-year absence — the last time the Donegal senior footballers wore an O'Neill's playing kit was in the All-Ireland quarter-final replay against Dublin in 2002… The agreement runs until October 31, 2016."
136. ^ Walsh, Harry (6 January 2016). "Donegal announce title sponsors for 2016 – 2018 seasons". Donegal News. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
137. ^ Fogarty, John (9 December 2021). "Sleeve notes: Donegal among the first to benefit from new revenue streams". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
138. ^ Kelly, Louise (27 February 2019). "Family-run border business that dressed Daniel O'Donnell and Donegal GAA fights back against Brexit". Irish Independent. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
139. ^ Comack, Tom (7 September 2022). "'Social media abuse hindering Donegal senior team manager appointment': 'It is certainly not helpful and has been mentioned by a number of people who have been approached about the position of Donegal senior team manager'". Archived from the original on 7 September 2022.
140. ^ Craig, Frank (29 September 2022). "McGee checks out". Donegal News. Published as "McGee checks out…" in the Donegal News of the same date, 29 September 2022: pp 96 (back page); 88 (interview, "McGee steps away").
141. ^ a b Ó Gallchóir, An tAthair Seán (19 October 2023). "Éamonn agus Neil McGee, Gaoth Dobhair — closing in on 100 championship games". Retrieved 19 October 2023.
142. ^ Branigan, Peter (24 March 2019). "Murphy masterclass fires Donegal back to top flight". RTÉ Sport. Retrieved 24 March 2019. "Neil McGee was introduced to equal the Donegal appearances record of Colm McFadden on 173."
143. ^ "Roper heads into the sunset". Donegal Democrat. 12 January 2010. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2010. "If ever a man deserved trumpeting and a fanfare Brian Roper deserved one. After he all is Donegal's most capped player. He beat Matt Gallagher's long standing record last year and when he finally shook hands with John Joe Doherty, he had played 159 games between league, championship and Dr. McKenna Cup."
144. ^ Aidan (31 August 2017). "Karl Lacey — Donegal's most decorated footballer announces his retirement". Donegal GAA. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
145. ^ "Big Neil calls it a day". Donegal News. 20 February 2017. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017.
146. ^ Foley, Alan; Campbell, Peter (30 July 2021). "When Donegal minors lit up the summer of 1996. Their story and 'where are they now?'". Retrieved 30 July 2021. "A minor again the following year, Hegarty went on to be a Donegal senior, playing 127 times, winning Ulster in his final campaign in 2011."
147. ^ McNulty, Chris (27 September 2013). "Meet the new backroom boys". Donegal News. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
148. ^ McNulty, Chris (14 August 2018). "Numbers stack up as Michael Murphy tops Donegal's all-time charts". Retrieved 14 August 2018.
149. ^ a b Walsh, Harry (7 June 2016). "Anthony takes another title back to 'the hills'". Donegal News. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
150. ^ McNulty, Chris (1 April 2020). "Regrets, I've had a few — The life and times of Marty Carlin". Retrieved 1 April 2020.
151. ^ McNulty, Chris (22 December 2013). "Durack aiming for more success as hurlers honoured". Donegal News. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
152. ^ Foley, Alan (1 December 2015). "The Donegal GAA name players of the year and various award winners for 2015". Retrieved 1 December 2015.
153. ^ "2015 Donegal GAA Award Winners Announced". Highland Radio. 1 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
154. ^ "Donegal GAA Annual Award Winners & Details of the Awards Banquet". 7 November 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
155. ^ "CLG Dhún na nGall County Banquet & Awards Night". 20 November 2018. Archived from the original on 11 December 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
156. ^ "County Awards Night — Saturday November 23rd". 14 November 2019. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
157. ^ "Donegal achieve historic win — First national league title comes to county after victory over Mayo". 25 April 2007. Archived from the original on 12 April 2015.
158. ^ The unused substitutes on the day were listed at: Ferry, Ryan. "McConigley reflects on 2007 National League success". Donegal News. 23 April 2020. pp. 52–3.
159. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20150412222131/http://www.steunansgaa.com/contentPage/78477/a_l_l_i_r_e_l_a_n_d_f_i_n_a_l_p_l_a_y_e_r_s
160. ^ Bonner, Declan (28 May 2020). "Champions dethroned". Donegal News. p. 55\. "Our Vocational School team won the All-Ireland title against Leitrim in the curtain raiser [to the NFL final in 1995 which, in reference to the column title, was played one week before Donegal knocked out Down in the Ulster SFC preliminary round, 25 years before the column was written]. Brian McLaughlin, Eamon Reddin, Barry Monaghan and Ray Sweeney were all on that team and would go on to represent the county at senior level."
161. ^ "Donegal are Team of the Year". Hogan Stand. 24 December 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
162. ^ "Donegal clinch Ulster title beating Armagh in dramatic shootout". Guardian. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
163. ^ Haughey, John (10 May 2025). "Donegal beat Armagh again in titanic Ulster battle". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
164. ^ a b McNulty, Chris (7 April 2020). "The diary, the dream and Donegal's first steps to 'the other place'". Retrieved 7 April 2020. "Donegal hadn't won an Ulster Under-21 title since 1995."
165. ^ "Donegal cruise past Derry for first under-21 title since 2010". Irish Times. 10 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
166. ^ McNulty, Chris (1 August 2014). "It's all in the mind for Anthony McGrath". Donegal News. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2014. "McGrath won an Ulster Minor title with Donegal in 1991, alongside the likes of Damian Diver, Declan Boyle and Mark Boyle."
167. ^ Foley, Alan; Campbell, Peter (30 July 2021). "When Donegal minors lit up the summer of 1996. Their story and 'where are they now?'". Retrieved 30 July 2021.
168. ^ "Second-half surge sees Donegal end long title wait". Irish Independent. 10 July 2006. Retrieved 10 July 2006.
169. ^ "Bonners minors-make it perfect day for Donegal". Irish Independent. 21 July 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2014.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Cláracha na gCluichí/Programmes — access many hundreds from the 1950s to 2020, as reported here

* v
* t
* e

Donegal football team – current senior panel

* 1 S. Patton

* 2 F. Roarty
* 3 B. McCole
* 4 P. Mogan

* 5 R. McHugh
* 6 E. B. Gallagher
* 7 C. McColgan

* 8 H. McFadden
* 9 M. Langan

* 10 S. O'Donnell
* 11 C. Thompson
* 12 C. Moore

* 13 C. O'Donnell
* 14 M. Murphy
* 15 O. Gallen

* * *

Subs
22 P. McBrearty (c) for Murphy
26 J. McGee for McFadden
20 C. McGonagle for McColgan
25 D. Ó Baoill for R. McHugh
18 O. McFadden Ferry for Mogan

* * *

Subs not used
16 G. Mulreany
17 S. McMenamin
19 E. McHugh
21 O. Doherty
23 J. Brennan
24 N. O'Donnell

* * *

Manager
J. McGuinness

Selectors
C. McFadden
N. McGee
L. Barrett

Above is the starting lineup vs Meath on 13 July 2025

Donegal panels – competitive victories

Donegal panels – All-Ireland Senior Football Champions

* v
* t
* e

Donegal – 1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Champions (1st title)

* 1 G. Walsh
* 2 B. McGowan
* 3 M. Gallagher
* 4 N. Hegarty
* 5 D. Reid
* 6 M. Gavigan
* 24 J. J. Doherty
* 8 A. Molloy (c)
* 9 B. Murray
* 10 J. McHugh
* 11 M. McHugh
* 12 J. McMullin
* 13 D. Bonner
* 14 T. Boyle
* 15 M. Boyle

Substitutes used
20 B. Cunningham for B. Murray

Substitutes not used
7 M. Shovlin
16 P. Callaghan
17 T. Ryan
18 P. Carr
19 C. Mulgrew
21 J. Cunningham
22 S. Maguire
23 M. Gallagher
25 J. McGuinness
26 M. Crossan

Manager
B. McEniff

Selectors
M. Lafferty
S. Bonner
A. Harkin
N. McCole

Other backroom personnel

The Man in Dublin: S. Ferriter
The Man in the Stand: P. McShea
Team doctor: A. O'Kennedy

* v
* t
* e

Donegal – 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Champions (2nd title)

* 1 P. Durcan
* 2 P. McGrath
* 3 N. McGee
* 4 F. McGlynn
* 5 E. McGee
* 6 K. Lacey
* 7 A. Thompson
* 8 N. Gallagher
* 9 R. Kavanagh
* 10 M. McHugh
* 11 L. McLoone
* 12 R. Bradley
* 13 P. McBrearty
* 14 M. Murphy (c)
* 15 C. McFadden

Substitutes used
19 Dav. Walsh for Bradley (40')
17 M. McElhinney for McBrearty (48')
20 C. Toye for McLoone (57')
24 Brick Molloy for McElhinney (70+2')

Substitutes not used
16 Michael Boyle
18 Marty Boyle
21 S. Griffin
22 D. McLaughlin
23 M. O'Reilly
25 Dec. Walsh
26 A. Hanlon

Extended panel
27 B. Dunnion
28 P. Witherow
29 A. McFadden
30 K. Rafferty
31 P. McGee
32 G. McFadden
33 T. McKinley

Manager
J. McGuinness

Selectors
R. Gallagher
M. Curran
P. Shovelin

Others in the backroom team
Strength and conditioning coach — A. Speer; Surgical consultant — K. Moran; Team doctor — C. McManus; Team physio — T. Kerr

Donal Reid

Donegal panels – National Football League Champions

* v
* t
* e

Donegal – 2007 National Football League Champions (1st title)

* 1 P. Durcan
* 2 N. McGee
* 3 K. Lacey
* 4 P. Campbell
* 5 B. Dunnion
* 6 B. Monaghan
* 7 P. McConigley
* 8 N. Gallagher (c)
* 9 K. Cassidy
* 10 B. Roper
* 11 C. Bonner
* 12 C. Toye
* 13 C. McFadden
* 14 B. Devenney
* 15 M. Hegarty

Substitutes used
K. McMenamin for B. Devenney
T. Donoghue for P. McConigley
E. McGee for N. McGee
R. Kavanagh for N. Gallagher
A. Sweeney for C. Bonner

Substitutes not used
D. Boyle
M. Boyle
R. Bradley
B. Byrne
M. Doherty
J. Friel
F. McGlynn
J. McLoone
A. Thompson
L. Thompson
P. Witherow

Other panel members
C. Dunne

Manager
B. McIver

Team versus Mayo in the NFL final

Links to related articles

* v
* t
* e

Donegal GAA

* Founded in 1905
* Based in Donegal, Ireland

County teams|

* Football
* Hurling

Stadiums|

* Ballybofey
* Glenties
* Letterkenny

Competitions|

| Football|

* SFC
* IFC
* JFC

|

Hurling|

* SHC
* IHC
* JHC

*   Category
*   Commons

* v
* t
* e

County teams in Gaelic football

* Antrim
* Armagh
* Carlow
* Cavan
* Clare
* Cork
* Derry
* Donegal
* Down
* Dublin
* Fermanagh
* Galway
* Kerry
* Kildare
* Kilkennyj nfl
* Laois
* Leitrim
* Limerick
* Londono
* Longford
* Louth
* Mayo
* Meath
* Monaghan
* New Yorko nfl
* Offaly
* Roscommon
* Sligo
* Tipperary
* Tyrone
* Waterford
* Westmeath
* Wexford
* Wicklow

(o) = overseas; (j) = junior team; (nfl) = non-league

* v
* t
* e

National Leagues of the Gaelic Athletic Association

National Football League (2026)

Division 1|

* Armagh
* Donegal
* Dublin
* Galway
* Kerry
* Mayo
* Monaghan
* Roscommon

Division 2|

* Cavan
* Cork
* Derry
* Kildare
* Louth
* Meath
* Offaly
* Tyrone

Division 3|

* Clare
* Down
* Fermanagh
* Laois
* Limerick
* Sligo
* Westmeath
* Wexford

Division 4|

* Antrim
* Carlow
* Leitrim
* Longford
* London
* Tipperary
* Waterford
* Wicklow

National Hurling League (2026)

Division 1A|

* Cork
* Kilkenny
* Galway
* Limerick
* Offaly
* Tipperary
* Waterford

Division 1B|

* Antrim
* Carlow
* Clare
* Down
* Dublin
* Kildare
* Wexford

Division 2|

* Derry
* Kerry
* Laois
* London
* Mayo
* Meath
* Westmeath

Division 3|

* Armagh
* Donegal
* Fermanagh
* Louth
* Roscommon
* Tyrone
* Wicklow

Division 4|

* Cavan
* Lancashire
* Leitrim
* Longford
* Monaghan
* Sligo
* Warwickshire

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