The hectic schedule continues for Donegal GAA at all levels with four teams in championship action in the week ahead.
By Charlie Collins
The Under 20’s gets things underway on Wednesday night when they host Derry in the Ulster Championship semi-final at MacCumhaill Park with a 7:30pm throw-in. Shaun Paul Barrett’s men won all three games to top Group A while Derry finished Runners-up behind Tyrone in Group B and then beat Cavan in a Quarter-Final playoff. They will provide Donegal with their toughest test yet for a place in the Ulster Final against either Tyrone or Monaghan.
On Saturday next, Donegal’s unbeaten Minor team will be hoping to make it three wins from three when they travel to Pairc Elser in Newry to meet Down. It’s a 12noon start for Barry Ward’s charges who impressed in their opening two games against a Down team which has lost both their games so far.
Also on Saturday, the Donegal Senior Hurlers host Monaghan at O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, in Round Three of the Nicky Rackard Cup. After good wins over both Armagh and Mayo, Mickey McCann’s men will also be hoping to make it three from three to maintain a strong position in the quest for another final appearance. With away matches against Roscommon and Louth to come, a win on Saturday is a must.
Then on Sunday it’s back to Celtic Park with a 2 pm start for Jim McGuinness and his high-flying squad to face old rivals Tyrone in the Ulster Senior Championship semi-final.
It’s a super fast turnaround for both teams after their victories over Derry and Cavan last weekend. Donegal will have an extra day to recover and prepare, while having been taken to extra-time by Cavan, Tyrone will have a day less to get themselves ready for this challenge. Another sellout attendance can expect for what should be a cracking encounter for a place in the final against either Armagh or Down.
So, a busy week for the Donegal footballers and hurling with the stakes high and the rewards great for the winners in all grades.
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