Main pic: Donegal legend Michael Murphy in action against Dublin in Croke Park in 2018.
Thousands are expected in Ballybofey tomorrow night for what promises to be an intriguing Division One clash with Dublin under the new rules.
Local hotels are booked up with traveling supporters while fans of the home side will be hoping to witness the second coming of Michael Murphy in MacCumhaill Park (throw-in 7:30pm).
Following last weekend’s postponement against Kerry, Jim McGuinness will finally get an opportunity to get a look at his squad in their first competitive game under the new rules.
McGuinness’ panel is stronger this season not just due to Murphy’s return, but also because of the readdition of Odhran McFadden-Ferry, Finbarr Roarty, Eoin McHugh and Eoghan McGettigan.
Dublin looked lively last weekend in their entertaining win over Mayo in round one. While it was confirmed this week that Stephen Cluxton will be back for 2025, Paul Mannion and Jack McCaffrey will not be involved, and neither will James McCarthy and Brian Fenton.
Interestingly, the Dubs have not had a victory up here in 15 years. The last two trips to Donegal, in MacCumhaill Park in 2013 and 2017, resulted in draws.
You have to go back as far as 2009 for Dublin’s last league win up here, but that was in Ballyshannon in a game that featured both Cluxton and Murphy. Notably, McGuinness has never lost a league or championship game as Donegal senior manager at fortress MacCumhaill Park.
The throw-in at MacCumhaill Park is 7.30pm, while live coverage will begin on TG4 from 7:15.
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