Jackies stick with winning formula

TG4 All-Ireland Ladies SFC quarter-final

Monday August 2

Dublin v Donegal, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick-On-Shannon, 4pm – Live on TG4

Donegal gave Dublin plenty to think about when the sides met on Halloween night in the 2020 Championship.

Ultimately, a freak goal from Dublin skipper Sinead Ahearne turned the course of the game, as her attempted point bounced down off an upright and into the net.

Donegal will feel they can compete with Dublin once again but they’ll need to tighten up considerably at the back after leaking three goals in two minutes against Galway recently.

Donegal finished in second place behind the Tribeswomen in their pool – and that means they’ll have to face up to champions Dublin, who sailed through their group with wins over Tyrone and Waterford.

Dublin boss Mick Bohan has opted for the same starting 15 that lined out against Waterford last time out for this one, while Donegal manager Maxi Curran has replaced Amy Boyle Carr with Roisin Rodgers from the start.

Dublin’s team looks exceptional on paper, with genuine goal threat and firepower in attack, but Donegal have potential aces up their own sleeves, in the form of Geraldine McLaughlin and skipper Niamh McLaughlin, who’s been excellent this year.

Dublin will start as favourites but Donegal have the players to ask serious questions of them. The winners here will play Galway or Mayo in the semi-finals.

Dublin (v Donegal): C Trant; M Byrne, N Collins, O Carey; O Nolan, S McGrath, L Caffrey; J Dunne, L Magee; L Davey, N McEvoy, C Rowe; S Aherne (capt.), H Tyrrell, C O’Connor.