As the Ulster Championship reaches its climax, two familiar faces—Donegal and Armagh—will battle it out for the Anglo-Celt Cup on Saturday. Conor McManus, a two-time Ulster Championship winner and BBC pundit, shares his insights ahead of the decider.
At the start of the Ulster Championship, many would have predicted Donegal and Armagh as the last two counties standing—and here they are. While the matchup is expected, it promises to be every bit as thrilling as last year’s final, which saw Donegal edge Armagh on penalties.
McManus, who has played in several Ulster finals, emphasizes the unique atmosphere of the occasion, especially when the weather cooperates, and Clones is packed to the brim. “The Ulster final belongs in Clones,” he says, praising the decision to keep the game in the traditional venue despite previous talk of a move to Croke Park. “Every Ulster final in Clones has been memorable, and moving it didn’t make sense.”
The timing of the match, an early evening throw-in on a Saturday, is unusual, but McManus believes the game will be a gripping watch. Both teams are accustomed to the big stage, with Donegal being regulars in the Ulster final over the past two decades, and Armagh appearing in their third consecutive final. The pressure won’t overwhelm either team.
For Armagh, the chance to win their first Ulster title since 2008 is a huge motivation. McManus highlights the importance of Donegal goalkeeper Shaun Patton, whose kick-outs have been exceptional throughout the Ulster series, particularly against Derry and Monaghan. Patton’s variety and accuracy make him a key weapon for Donegal. Armagh’s Ethan Rafferty, known for his adventurous kicking style, will be a significant factor for the Orchard County.
“The level of goalkeeping across the country is remarkable,” says McManus, noting the importance of both Patton and Rafferty in the final. “They are two great examples of the goalkeeping quality in the modern game.”
Squad depth will also play a pivotal role in the final. Armagh, under Kieran McGeeney, has seen several players rise to prominence, such as Ross McQuillan and Callum O’Neill, who weren’t starters at this time last year. The team’s depth is evident, with key figures like Conor Turbitt, Aidan Forker, and Niall Grimley coming off the bench.
Donegal, too, boasts a deep squad. The return of players like Michael Murphy and Odhran McFadden Ferry, combined with the impact of substitutes like Jamie Brennan, Jason McGee, and Niall O’Donnell, gives them strength in depth.
McManus acknowledges that both teams appear evenly matched. “I don’t see a weakness in either team,” he says, predicting the game will likely go the distance. While some might argue that Armagh are in better form, McManus believes the Ulster final is never straightforward, and anything can happen.
“I expect it to be a draw,” he predicts, adding that the last three Ulster finals went to extra-time. He notes that while penalty shootouts are a lottery, Armagh has not had much luck in them recently. “If Armagh don’t get a few players back from injury, it may tip the scales in Donegal’s favour. But I definitely see it going the distance.”
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