Preview: Dublin Face Donegal Test in Pursuit of Back-to-Back League Wins

Picture Courtesy Paul Barrett

By Conor Martin

Dublin hit the road and go in search of a second successive Allianz Football League Division 1 win this Saturday evening, as they take on Donegal in Ballybofey (throw-in 7:30pm). 

Dublin and Mayo have a history of playing out battling encounters and last Saturday's game was no exception, as Dublin adapted to the implementation of new rules to run out two-point winners, 1-17 to 1-15.

Dessie Farrell's men got off to a dream start when Kevin Lahiff was played in and found the net in the second minute on his league debut, moments after Greg McEneaney had opened the scoring. 

Lahiff, Seán Bugler and Killian McGinnis had helped Dublin into a healthy six-point lead before Mayo came fighting back to level, thanks to Conor Reid finding the net. The Connacht side would push on to hold a two-point lead over Dublin by the time the half-time whistle went. 

The game turned in Dublin's favour when McEneaney, Bugler and Luke Breathnach drew us level before giving Dublin the lead. Ryan O’Donoghue kept Mayo alive, but further points from Breathnach and Bugler meant Darren McHale’s late effort was only a consolation point as Dublin started with a win. 

Dublin will be hoping a Man of the Match performance from Bugler and an eye catching league debut for Kevin Lahiff can be followed up with another solid performances this weekend, when we travel to Ballybofey. 

It’s take two for Donegal this weekend as they look to begin their Allianz Football League at last, when they host proceedings at MacCumhail Park on Saturday evening. Their visit to Kerry was postponed last weekend thanks to the effects of Storm Éowyn and they will be looking to start the league in the best possible way. 

The men in green and gold were unbeaten as they won Division 2 last year and have been given a massive boost with the return of legendary All-Ireland-winning captain Michael Murphy to the senior panel. Eoghan McGettigan, Finnbarr Roarty, Eoin McHugh, and Odhran McFadden-Ferry have also opted to return to county action, increasing the amount of talent and threat this Donegal side have in their locker.

Last year’s Ulster champions and All-Ireland semi-finalists can also call upon the talented pairing of Oisin Gallen and Shane O’Donnell in attack and Caolan McGonagle in defence. 

Dublin & Donegal’s last five Allianz Football League meetings: 

• 20th March 2022, Croke Park, Dublin, Dublin 2-15 (21) - 2-11 (17) Donegal
• 12th June 2021, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan, Donegal 1-14 (17) - 1-18 (21) Dublin
• 22nd February 2020, Croke Park, Dublin, Dublin 1-15 (18) - 1-14 (17) Donegal
• 10th February 2018, Croke Park, Dublin, Dublin 0-20 (20) - 0-15 (15) Donegal
• 26th February 2017, MacCumhail Park, Ballybofey, Donegal, Donegal 2-5 (11) - 1-8 (11) Dublin

You buy tickets for this weekend’s game here.