It’s here, Ulster SFC final day, July 17th, the date both Rory Gallagher and Mickey Harte would’ve been targeting when they started their pre-season training in the depths of winter.
For Donegal, it’s the sixth Ulster SFC final in-a-row, this date – and this day out is almost taken for granted every year, due to the incredible success of the team since 2011.
Three titles have taken back, while two slipped away in 2013 and 2015 against Monaghan.
It’s been a different story for Tyrone, they haven’t appeared in an Ulster SFC final since 2010.
Six years watching on, six years of pain, six years of ‘what if’.
In 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 Donegal dumped Tyrone out of a competition they had dominated for a decade previous.
But many are predicting that this latest squad built by Mickey Harte is destined for greatness, and today could signal the changing of the guard.
However, Donegal impressively dispatched Monaghan, and they undoubtedly have the experience over their counter-parts.
Eoin McHugh and Kieran Gillespie have added energy, zest and drive into Donegal, Ryan McHugh has been mercurial, while Frank McGlynn is playing the football of his career.
Many expect the winner of this clash to go all the way to the final of the All-Ireland final, due to the side of the draw their on.
It only adds extra spice to a clash that doesn’t need any more fuel to ignite what will be a explosive clash.
Many think Tyrone the time has come for Tyrone to emerge from the shadows and reclaim the throne of Ulster Champions.
But Donegal, have found a new verve under the tutelage of Rory Gallagher, and have the nous, ability, skill and quality to deliver another Ulster title back to The Diamond.
The pundits want us to believe that Donegal are a ‘tired, team with a lot of ‘mileage’ on the legs, but Donegal are still dynamic and steely, and nobody in Ireland can counter-attack the way we do.
Today, will be a close battle, and at the final whistle there will be little to separate the sides.
Donegal are looking for more glory to continue the dynasty, Tyrone are hoping to win a title to forge a new one.
Today we go to war, who will prevail?
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