Donegal county football team

The Donegal county football team (/ˌdʌnɪˈɡɔːl, ˌdɒn-/ DUN-ig-AWL, DON-) represents Donegal in men's Gaelic football and is governed by Donegal GAA, the county board of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The team competes in the three major annual inter-county competitions; the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the Ulster Senior Football Championship and the National Football League.

Donegal
Sport:Football
Irish:Dún na nGall[1]
Nickname(s):The Tír Chonaill men[2]
County board:Donegal GAA
Manager:Jim McGuinness
Captain:Patrick McBrearty
Most appearances:Neil McGee (195)
Top scorer:Michael Murphy (500+)
Home venue(s):MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey[1]
Recent competitive record
Current All-Ireland status:Ulster (F) in 2020
Last championship title:2012
Current NFL Division:1 (4th in 2022)
Last league title:2007
First colours
Second colours

Donegal's home ground is MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. The team's manager is Jim McGuinness.

Donegal was the third Ulster county to win an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (SFC), following Cavan and Down. The team last won the Ulster Senior Championship in 2019, the All-Ireland Senior Championship in 2012 and the National League in 2007.

The team is a major force in the sport.[3] Currently regarded as one of the best teams in the sport,[4] Karl Lacey won the 2012 All Stars Footballer of the Year, Michael Murphy won the 2009 All Stars Young Footballer of the Year and Ryan McHugh won the 2014 All Stars Young Footballer of the Year, while numerous other players have been selected on All Star teams. Donegal players comprised most of the 2012 All Stars Team of the Year, as well as all three nominations for Footballer of the Year, ultimately won by Lacey.[5] In addition, having been invited to assist the Celtic soccer team in Scotland, Donegal manager Jim McGuinness became the first Gaelic football inter-county manager to have been offered a role at a professional sports team abroad.[6] McGuinness's services have also been sought by Premier League soccer teams.[7] In terms of style, "the system" deployed by McGuinness's team was likened to that of the Spanish association football team FC Barcelona.[8][9]

Donegal are one of only five counties to have defeated Kerry in their first Championship meeting — the others being Down (1960), Derry (1958), Dublin (1893) and Cork (1889).[10] Distances to games involving provincial opponents have been a problem.[11]

History

Early years

Following the first Donegal County Board's formation in 1905,[12] the county team's first football game was against Derry on 17 March 1906.

Donegal lost the 1933 "Home final" of the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship to Mayo (2–15 to 2–2) and then made their next appearance at Croke Park on Sunday 6 April 1952. The occasion was a National Football League semi-final and their opponents that day were Cork.[13]

1960s

The sixties saw Donegal emerge as a footballing force with victories to match their undoubted abilities. Unfortunately they came into contact with a majestic Down machine that was also blistering the national stage with their prowess, becoming the first team from the North to win All Ireland senior championships in 1960, 1961 and 1968. Amazingly, Donegal's first appearance in an Ulster senior final was not until 1963, followed by a second appearance in 1966, On both occasions they were defeated by Down.[14]

McEniff years 1970s–1980s: Ulster and Under-21 success

The county came to the fore of Ulster football in the 1970s, winning their first Ulster Senior Football Championship in 1972. McEniff was player-manager of the 1972 team.[15][16][17] The win coincided with the county's first All Star—in the form of McEniff himself—in the second year of the award's existence. Reigning All-Ireland champions Offaly defeated the Ulster champions in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final on the way to their second consecutive All-Ireland title.

A second provincial title followed for Donegal in 1974. McEniff was again player-manager.[16][17] Galway, All-Ireland finalists in 1971 and 1973, defeated them in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final.

In 1979, Donegal reached the Ulster Final again under the guidance of Sean O'Donnell, but were defeated by Monaghan.

In October 1982, Tom Conaghan managed Donegal to the All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship.[17][18]

McEniff returned as senior manager and Donegal won a third provincial title in 1983, with ten members of the 1982 under-21 team included in the panel.[17] Seamus Bonner became the first player from the county to win the competition as a player on three occasions, having earlier won in 1972 and 1974.[17] Again they were beaten by Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, ahead of what would become a notorious 1983 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, known as the "Game of Shame".

Tom Conaghan took over as senior manager from McEniff after McEniff departed again in the mid-1980s. Over the course of his time as senior manager during the 1980s, Conaghan fell out with players such as Declan Bonner, Manus Boyle, Matt Gallagher, Barry McGowan and Sylvester Maguire.[19] Conaghan's spell as county manager ended with a heavy defeat to Tyrone.[19]

In 1987, Donegal won the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship, a success which provided the basis for future prosperity in the county. They defeated Kerry in the final.[20]

1990s: Sam Maguire Cup

McEniff returned as senior manager for a fourth time in September 1989.[19] He led the county to another Ulster Senior Football Championship in 1990, restoring players that Conaghan had thrown by the wayside, such as Bonner, Boyle, Gallagher, McGowan and Maguire.[19] Eventual All-Ireland Finalists Meath beat them in the 1990 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final.

However, Donegal would win the Ulster Senior Football Championship Final again in 1992. As a result of this victory an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final against Mayo beckoned. Donegal overcame the men from Mayo to set up a 1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final meeting with raging-hot favourites Dublin. Donegal's greatest footballing accomplishment yet was realised on 20 September 1992 when they defeated the highly fancied Dublin by a scoreline of 0–18 to 0–14 to take the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time. Brian McEniff, serving in his second spell as Donegal manager, pulled the strings. Man of the Match Manus Boyle scored 0–9 (four from play), while Gary Walsh pulled off a great save from Vinny Murphy at the end. This was the zenith of this great Donegal team who contested five successive Ulster Senior Football Championship Finals between 1989 and 1993. The Donegal team of this era also contested the final of the National Football League three times in a four-year period (1993 v. Dublin, 1995 v. Derry, 1996 v. Derry) without success. McEniff soon stood down as manager.

Martin McHugh wanted to take charge of Donegal after McEniff left the job. However, he was prevented from doing so by the Donegal County Board in a snub that would be echoed in Jim McGuinness's numerous later attempts to get the same job—McGuinness was, however, ultimately successful; after being rejected by the Donegal County Board on several occasions he would go on to be Donegal's most successful manager since McEniff. McHugh was hurt by his rejection, saying: "I thought there was another All-Ireland in Donegal and that's why I went for that job. I thought there was another All-Ireland there, and there was a lot of good players coming too. But anyway, that's the way it worked out".[21]

Declan Bonner (first term): 1997–2000

Declan Bonner managed the team between 1997 and 2000.[22][23] He began on his 32nd birthday, within four weeks of retirement.[24][25][26] He was informed of the decision to appoint him at 9.29 pm on 11 August 1997, after Anthony Molloy, past manager Conaghan and Pauric McShea all withdrew.[24] Charlie Mulgrew and Matt Gallagher were part of Bonner's management team.[27] Bonner led Donegal to the 1997–98 National Football League semi-final against eventual title winners Offaly and the 1998 Ulster SFC final against Derry — a last-minute Joe Brolly goal, accompanied by a few kisses to the crowd, put paid to that one.[24][25]

John Joe and the Derrymen: 2000–2010

Mickey Moran was appointed manager on a three-year term in August 2000, succeeding Declan Bonner.[28] Moran's first game in charge was a league victory at home to Offaly, a win achieved while fielding four debutants (Stephen Cassidy, Michael Doherty, Barry Monaghan and ... one other?).[29] During his tenure selector Michael Houston quit after a public falling out with Moran.[30] Moran's first year in charge of Donegal was a disappointing one, but 2002 was more successful, leading Donegal to the Ulster final (where they were beat by Armagh) and then to the All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin.[31][32] However, in September 2002 he informed the county board he would not be staying for the third year of the term.[31] All-Ireland winning manager Brian McEniff took the reins for the 2003 season. His first game back in charge, an away league fixture to Galway in Tuam in February 2003, ended in defeat.[33] However, McEniff guided Donegal to the All-Ireland semi-final for the first time since 1992. The following year they reached another Ulster final, again losing out to Armagh. McEniff stepped down after the 2005 season to end his fourth and final tenure with the county.[34]

Michael Murphy scores a penalty in the 2008 Ulster Senior Football Championship

Brian McIver was appointed manager in 2006. His tenure saw a slight improvement in the fortunes of the team as he led them into Division 1 of the National Football League. However, the county had been without a trophy for 15 years. They had contested the 1993 and 1998 Ulster Senior Football Championship Finals, but lost to Derry on both occasions. Defeat to Armagh in the same contest in 2002, 2004 and 2006 meant another decade passed without a Championship trophy. They contested the 2006 Division 2 Final, but lost to Louth. The famine came to an abrupt end in 2007 when the senior football team won the National Football League title for the first time in the county's history. Donegal overcame Mayo at Croke Park on Sunday 22 April 2007 with a score line of 0–13 to 0–10. On-route to the final Donegal defeated Cork, Mayo, Tyrone, Dublin, Kerry, Fermanagh and Kildare while drawing with Limerick.

McIver stood down as manager after the 2007 Championship; however, he was reinstated before the beginning of the 2008 Championship. In 2008, at a County Board meeting, a motion of no confidence was tabled by the St Eunan's and Gaoth Dobhair clubs; as a result McIver felt compelled to resign.[35][36] Declan Bonner and Charlie Mulgrew were appointed "Joint Managers" when John Joe Doherty of the Naomh Columba club was said to have rejected the opportunity to become manager. However, Doherty entered negotiations before Bonner and Mulgrew were rubber stamped. He was later offered the job for a second time, which he accepted. Bonner and Mulgrew had contested that the procedure which led to the installing of John Joe Doherty as football manager in the county was flawed. The duo's case was heard November 2008 but had taken 13 days of deliberation for the DRA to reach a verdict. John Joe Doherty was appointed manager at the November county board meeting.[37] Bonner, Mulgrew and Doherty had been joined by Michael Houston, Francie Martin and Jim McGuinness on the shortlist to become manager.[22]

McGuinness: 2010–2014
Donegal defeated Kildare in the 2011 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in Jim McGuinness's first season in charge.

In July 2010, Jim McGuinness, the then under-21 manager, was appointed as county senior manager, succeeding John Joe Doherty.[38] McGuinness guided the county's under-21 side to the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final in 2010. He was appointed to the senior management on a four-year term, with a review after two years. His first year in charge brought Donegal the National Football League Division 2 title, promotion to Division 1, the county's first championship win in four years, the county's first provincial title in 19 years, and made Donegal the third team in the history of the GAA to win a provincial title from the preliminary round. His second season brought a second consecutive provincial title, also achieved from the preliminary round, as well as a defeat of Kerry at Croke Park and a win over Cork on 26 August to secure a place in the 2012 All Ireland Football Final.

In 2010, after a disappointing Championship, in which Donegal lost at home to Down after extra-time, and to Armagh in Crossmaglen by nine points in the first round of the All-Ireland Qualifiers, John Joe Doherty resigned from his post as senior football manager.[39] The only candidate to replace him was Jim McGuinness. Upon his appointment on 26 July 2010,[40] McGuinness brought Kevin Cassidy and Michael Hegarty out of retirement, introduced many players from the U-21 side he had taken to the 2010 All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship Final, and introduced structure and discipline, a feature that many observers claimed was lacking in many talented Donegal teams between 1993 and 2011.

McGuinness's first major success as senior manager was to win the National Football League Division 2 when they beat Laois in Croke Park by 2–11 to 0–16 points.[41] They went through the league season unbeaten, except for the last league match proper, when they lost to Laois.[42] Before the Division 2 Final, they had topped the Division 2 league and were guaranteed promotion with four wins, two draws, and one loss.[43]

After this victory, expectations for the county were high, with many pundits predicting that Donegal would win the Ulster Championship.[44] Donegal beat Antrim 1–10 to 0–07 in the preliminary round.[45] This was the team's first Championship win since 2007. This set up an away match against Cavan from which Donegal once again emerged victorious, by a scoreline of 2–14 to 1–08. A more ominous test against Tyrone would follow this Cavan victory. The new defensive system developed by Jim McGuinness would be put to the test against a Tyrone team which perfected the blanket defense tactic on the way to three All Ireland victories in the 2000s. Donegal fought their way to a 2–06 to a 0–09 win.[46]

This set up an Ulster Final meeting against a heavily fancied Derry, which one week prior to Donegal's victory over Tyrone, put 3–14 past an Armagh team which had just overcome Down, the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship runners-up.[47]

Donegal v Mayo in the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, won by Donegal

On 17 July 2011, in Clones, Donegal played in their first Ulster final in five years and their sixth Ulster Final since 1992. In front of a crowd of 28,364 Donegal beat Derry by 1–11 to 0–08 points. This was only the third time in the history of the Ulster Senior Football Championship that a team which played the preliminary round would win the Final, following in the footsteps of Armagh in 2005 and Cavan 66 years earlier. On 30 July 2011, Donegal travelled to Croke Park to play Kildare in the All-Ireland quarter-final. In an absorbing contest, a Kevin Cassidy point deep into extra time sealed Donegal's progression to their first All Ireland semi-final since 2003. The semi-final against Dublin, which Dublin eventually won 0–8 to 0–6, was to be regarded as one of the lowest scoring but most absorbing Championship duels in living memory.[48]

On 22 July 2012, Donegal retained the Ulster title for the first time in their history with a 2–18 to 0–13 victory over Down.[49] On 5 August 2012, they defeated Kerry. The first ever Championship meeting between the sides at senior level, it was only the second time in history that Kerry had been defeated at the quarter final stage.[50] Ahead of their next match against Cork, few outside the county gave Donegal a chance, and Cork went into the game as heavy favourites to win the title itself (even though this was only the semi-final). Donegal endeavoured to swat aside a lacklustre Cork side with ease and progressed to their first title decider since 1992.[51] Tyrone's Mickey Harte, attempting to analyse the game for the BBC, expressed his shock: "To be honest, I could not see that coming. Donegal annihilated Cork, there is no other word for it."[52] Martin McHugh, a member of the successful 1992 side, said it was the best ever performance by any Donegal team including his own.[53] Donegal emerged victorious from the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final on 23 September 2012 to take the Sam Maguire Cup for the second time, with early goals from Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden.[54] They defeated Mayo, on a scoreline of 2–11 to 0–13. Man of the Match was awarded to Michael Murphy, who scored 1–04.

The 2013 season brought great expectation with Donegal as reigning All-Ireland champions. However, they suffered relegation from Division 1 of the National Football League early in the year. In the Ulster Championship they dispatched Tyrone and Down to set up a provincial decider with Monaghan. Monaghan were unfancied coming into the game with most of the pressure on the shoulders of the Tir Conaill men. Despite this Monaghan defied the odds and emerged as 0–13 to 0–07 winners.[55] After defeating Laois in the fourth round of the qualifiers Donegal faced a Mayo team looking for revenge in the All-Ireland quarter-final. They got their revenge with a 4–17 to 1–10 drubbing that ended Donegal's bid to retain the Sam Maguire.[56]

2014 saw a resurgent Donegal claim promotion from Division 2 of the National League alongside Monaghan. They overcame Derry in a tense quarter final and Antrim in the semi-final to set up another Ulster final clash with Monaghan. This time Donegal came out on top by three points to reclaim the Ulster title. A meeting with Armagh beckoned in the All-Ireland quarter-final. An Odhran MacNiallais goal proved crucial in a 1–12 to 1–11 win. This set up a daunting semi-final clash with 2013 champions Dublin. At the time Dublin were seen by many as unstoppable and were heavy favourites for the clash with Donegal. Bookmakers had Donegal as low as 7/1 to win the game.[57] However, after surviving a first half onslaught a Ryan McHugh goal gave Donegal the lead at half time. In the second half Donegal swept Dublin aside running out six-point winners, with McHugh and Colm McFadden to the fore.[58] Kerry were the opponents in the final, and despite Kerry's traditional dominance Donegal went into the game as favourites after their semi-final defeat of Dublin. Again Kerry upset the form books to claim a 2–09 to 0–12 win and their 37th All-Ireland title. Jim McGuinness stepped down in the aftermath of the game, after leading his county to three Ulster titles and one All-Ireland.

Bonner–McGuinness interim: 2014–2017

McGuinness's former assistant Rory Gallagher took over for the 2015 campaign, and the year began brightly with Donegal reaching the National League semi-final, losing out to Cork. Starting in the preliminary round of the Ulster Championship, Donegal defeated Tyrone, Armagh and Derry to set up a third successive Ulster final with now bitter rivals Monaghan. After winning tough games against Tyrone and Derry, Donegal were seen as slight favourites going into the game. However, Monaghan prevailed by a single point to consign Donegal to the qualifiers.[59] Galway awaited them there but Donegal won by a scoreline of 3–12 to 0–11 in an improved performance. Mayo were the opponents in the quarter-finals and Donegal went in as underdogs. So it proved as Mayo won by a comfortable seven-point margin to end Donegal's hopes for another year.

2016 began with Donegal looking to reclaim the Ulster title and make a serious assault on the All-Ireland. They again reached the semi-final of the National League, this time being defeated by Dublin. Their Ulster Championship began with a tricky encounter against Fermanagh at MacCumhaill Park where they eventually won by four points after going down to 14 men. They faced familiar foes Monaghan in the semi-final. After two intense games of football Donegal won out to advance to their sixth successive Ulster final, a feat only matched by the great Down side of the 1960s. They were up against Mickey Harte's Tyrone who were appearing in their first final since 2010. Two injury time points handed Tyrone their first provincial title since 2010 and again Donegal were heading for the qualifiers. However, Donegal continued their recent good form in the qualifiers with a three-point victory over Cork, with Patrick McBrearty achieving an individual haul of 0–11. Leinster and All-Ireland champions Dublin were the opponents in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Dublin avenged their defeat in 2014 semi-final by winning 1–15 to 1–10 in a close contest. They required a late Paul Mannion goal to kill off the game and Donegal's Championship aspirations for 2016.

A 2017 Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final capitulation to Tyrone and 2017 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship exit to Galway at Markievicz Park and Gallagher was gone.[60][61][62][63]

Declan Bonner (second term): 2017–2022

Five contenders for the senior manager emerged: minor manager Shaun Paul Barrett, Declan Bonner, Cathal Corey, Gary McDaid and Séamus McEnaney.[64] Bonner was announced as manager on 22 September 2017, taking charge for the second time.[65]

They won the 2018 Ulster Senior Football Championship.[66] Senior players Jason McGee and Niall O'Donnell were not part of this as they decided to drop down to play with the under-20 team instead between league and championship.[67]

They won the 2019 Ulster Senior Football Championship.[68]

Bonner was reappointed for another two-year term as manager at the end of August 2021 when no other candidates emerged to succeed him.[69]

He left the role in mid-2022.[70]

McGuinness: The Second Coming

In August 2023, it began to be widely reported that Jim McGuinness would be returning as Donegal manager.[71] On 20 August, Donegal GAA brought forward its monthly county board meeting to the following evening, where the only thng on the agenda was about appointing the new manager.[72] Finally, on the evening of Monday the 21st of August, the return of McGuinness was confirmed in sensational fashion at that meeting, year one of three (with an option of a fourth) beginning pronto.[73] It was big news the length and breadth of the sport throughout the island, with James Horan's return to the Mayo fold that same evening having to settle for second place as Horan slipped in quietly amid all the fuss over McGuinness.[74]

Seasons
Main article: List of Donegal county football team seasons

Captains
Main article: List of Donegal senior Gaelic football team captains

Current management team
Confirmed in August 2023:

Current panel

Team as per Donegal v Dublin the 2021 National Football League, 12 June 2021

No. Player Position Club
1 Shaun Patton Goalkeeper St Eunan's
2 Stephen McMenamin Right Corner Back Red Hugh's (Killygordon)
18 Eoin McHugh Full back Kilcar
4 Brendan McCole Left Corner Back St Naul's (Mountcharles)
5 Ryan McHugh Right half back Kilcar
21 Odhrán McFadden-Ferry Centre half back Gaoth Dobhair
17 Ethan O'Donnell Left half back Naomh Conaill (Glenties)
8 Caolan McGonagle Midfield Buncrana
25 Hugh McFadden (c) Midfield Killybegs
10 Ciarán Thompson Right half forward Naomh Conaill (Glenties)
11 Odhrán Mac NiallaisWD Centre half forward Gaoth Dobhair
20 Niall O'Donnell Left half forward St Eunan's
13 Paddy McBrearty Right corner forward Kilcar
14 Michael Langan Full forward St Michael's (Dunfanaghy)
24 Oisín Gallen Left corner forward Seán Mac Cumhaill's (Ballybofey)
No. Player Position Club
16 Michael Lynch Goalkeeper Gaoth Dobhair
7 Daire Ó Baoill Substitute Gaoth Dobhair
3 Neil McGeeRET[77][78][79] Substitute Gaoth Dobhair
19 Jack McSharry Substitute Killybegs
12 Conor O'Donnell Substitute Carndonagh
6 Caolan Ward Substitute St Eunan's
22 Tony McClenaghan Substitute Moville
23 Eunan Doherty Substitute Naomh Conaill (Glenties)
15 Eoghan McGettigan Substitute Naomh Conaill (Glenties)
9 Jason McGee Substitute Cloughaneely
26 Paddy McGrathRET[80] Substitute Ardara

INJ Player has had an injury which has affected recent involvement with the county team.
RET Player has since retired from the county team.
WD Player has since withdrawn from the county team due to a non-injury issue.

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Donegal panel during the previous three seasons, or in the 2018 Championship.

Pos. Player Club Latest call-up
DF Eoghan Bán Gallagher Killybegs v. Armagh , 29 May 2021, 2021 National Football League
DF Paul Brennan Réalt na Mara (Bundoran v. Armagh , 29 May 2021, 2021 National Football League
DF Peadar Mogan St Naul's (Mountcharles) v. Armagh , 29 May 2021, 2021 National Football League
FW Jamie Brennan Réalt na Mara (Bundoran v. Armagh , 29 May 2021, 2021 National Football League
FW Eunan Doherty Naomh Conaill (Glenties) v. Armagh , 29 May 2021, 2021 National Football League
FW Michael MurphyINJ Glenswilly v. Monaghan , 22 May 2021, 2021 National Football League
DF Andrew McClean Kilcar v. Tyrone , 15 May 2021, 2021 National Football League
FW Jeaic McKelvey Naomh Conaill (Glenties) v. Cavan , 22 November 2020, Ulster Championship Final
DF Eamonn Doherty St Eunan's v. Cavan , 22 November 2020, Ulster Championship Final
FW Ciarán Diver Moville v. Kerry , 24 October 2020, 2020 National Football League
DF Conor O'Donnell St Eunan's (Letterkenny) v. Monaghan , 1 March 2020, 2020 National Football League
MF Conor MorrisonINJ St Eunan's (Letterkenny) v. Monaghan , 1 March 2020, 2020 National Football League
MF Daniel Clarke Naomh Colmcille (Newtown Cunningham) v. Galway , 9 February 2020, 2020 National Football League
FW Michael Carroll Gaoth Dobhair v. Mayo , 25 January 2020, 2020 National Football League
GK Paul Durcan Ballyboden St Enda's v. Mayo , 3 August 2019, 2019 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage
DF Frank McGlynnRET Glenfin v. Mayo , 3 August 2019, 2019 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage
MF Leo McLooneRET Naomh Conaill (Glenties) v. Mayo , 3 August 2019, 2019 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage
FW Aaron Doherty Naomh Columba (Glencolmcille) v. Cavan , 23 June 2019, 2019 Ulster Senior Football Championship Final
DF Kieran GillespieINJ Gaoth Dobhair v. Cavan , 23 June 2019, 2019 Ulster Senior Football Championship Final
FW Marty O'ReillyWD Seán Mac Cumhaill's (Ballybofey) v. Meath , 30 March 2019, 2019 National Football League Final
GK Mark Anthony McGinleyWD St Michael's (Dunfanaghy) v. Armagh , 2 March 2019, 2019 National Football League
MF Martin McElhinneyWD St Michael's (Dunfanaghy) v. Armagh , 2 March 2019, 2019 National Football League
FW Lorcan Connor Downings v. Fermanagh , 24 February 2019, 2019 National Football League
FW Paddy Dolan St Mary's (Convoy) v. Clare , 27 January 2019, 2019 National Football League
FW John Campbell Buncrana v. Clare , 27 January 2019, 2019 National Football League
FW Mark McHughWD Kilcar v. Tyrone , 5 August 2018, 2018 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage
FW Stephen McBreartyWD Kilcar v. Tyrone , 5 August 2018, 2018 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage
DF Anthony ThompsonRET Naomh Conaill (Glenties) v. Tyrone , 5 August 2018, 2018 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage
FW Cian Mulligan Gaoth Dobhair v. Roscommon , 21 July 2018, 2018 All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage
FW Darach O'Connor Buncrana v. Fermanagh , 24 June 2018, Ulster Championship Final
MF Ciaran McGinleyWD Kilcar v. Down , 10 June 2018, Ulster Championship Semi-Final

Supporters

The team has an official supporters' club called, simply, Donegal GAA Supporters' Club. The chairperson is Father Brian Quinn, the secretary is Catriona McCaffrey and the joint treasurers are Grace Boyle and Brendan Brady.[81][82] It existed from the early 1990s until 2006 before being resurrected following the winning 2012 All-Ireland SFC campaign.[83][81] The aim of the club is to provide financial assistance to the team.[83]

Daniel O'Donnell has performed fundraising concerts for the team.[84][85] He and his wife Majella are regular spectators at games.[86] O'Donnell was at Croke Park for the 1992 All-Ireland SFC final and sang a duet with manager Jim McGuinness at the 2012 All-Ireland SFC homecoming in Donegal Town.[87][88] Former Ireland international goalkeeper Shay Given is a supporter and has helped trained the team.[89][90] Séamus Coleman is another prominent supporter who has attended games.[91][92] The "banana bunch" were noted for bringing inflatable bananas to games in the early 1990s.[93] Christy Murray and his bagpipes have featured in the approach to and aftermath of games for several decades.[94][95]

Colours and crest

Donegal play since their foundation in green and gold kits, which are also the colours of the board's logo and of the county crest because they recall the gold of the sandy beaches of the county and the green of the well known Hills of Donegal. Despite the colours have been always the same during the years, their disposal has been very different for much of the team's history. The classic Donegal kit was indeed composed by a green shirt with a golden hoop, white shorts and green and gold socks (identical to Kerry). In 1966 the board opted for golden shirts[96] but they turned green after only a short period, in the 1980s also often with green shorts. In 1992, when they reached the semifinal against Mayo, they had to use a change kit[97] which was a gold shirt with green sleeves and green shorts. Due to the unexpected victory against the favorite Connacht side, they decided to retain this colour combination for the final against Dublin. Donegal won their first All-Ireland title and since then they have favoured a yellow/gold shirt and green shorts.[98]

Usually Donegal wore as change kit gold shirts with green trim, or gold shirts with black trim (recalling Ulster GAA colours). Since they switched to gold as their primary colour, change kits have been green or white.

Ahead of the 2022 season, a new kit was launched, featuring a "shadow print" naming each of the county's clubs.[99]

Kit evolution
Classic kit
Ulster Final 1983
Ulster Final 1990
All-Ireland Final 1992
2005–08
Ulster Final 2011
All-Ireland Final 2014

Team sponsorship

The following companies have sponsored Donegal.

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
1991 O'Neills Donegal Chips
1992 Donegal Creameries
1992–1993 Magee Tailored
1994–1996 Donegal China
1996-1999 Donegal Creameries
2000–2002 Abbey Hotel[100]
2003-2009 Azzurri
2010-2013 Donegal Creameries[101][102]
2014–2015 O'Neills[103]
2016–2021 KN Group[104]
2022 Circet[105]

Evolve Clothing has supplied the team with casual and formal attire on All-Ireland and Ulster final days.[106]

Managerial history

Some of those asked if they were interested in succeeding Declan Bonner as manager in 2022 cited social media abuse as a reason for their lack of interest.[107]

Dates Name Origin Honours Notes
? Columba McDyer Glenties ? —
1972–1975 Brian McEniff St Joseph's 1972 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
1974 Ulster Senior Football Championship		 Player-manager
1975–1976 John Hannigan St Eunan's ? —
1976–1977 Brian McEniff (2) St Joseph's — —
1977–1980 Sean O'Donnell Dungloe — —
1980-1986 Brian McEniff (3) Réalt na Mara 1983 Ulster Senior Football Championship —
1986-1989 Tom Conaghan ? ? —
1989–1994 Brian McEniff (4) Réalt na Mara 1990 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
1992 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship		 —
1994–1997 P. J. McGowan Seán MacCumhaills ? —
1997–2000 Declan Bonner Na Rossa — —
2000–2002 Mickey Moran    ? —
2003–2005 Brian McEniff (5) Réalt na Mara — —
2006–2008 Brian McIver    2007 National Football League —
2008–2010 John Joe Doherty Naomh Columba ? —
2010–2014 Jim McGuinness Naomh Conaill 2011 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
2012 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship,
2014 Ulster Senior Football Championship		 —
2014–2017 Rory Gallagher    — —
2017–2022 Declan Bonner (2) Na Rossa 2018 Ulster Senior Football Championship,
2019 Ulster Senior Football Championship		 —
2022–2023 Paddy Carr Gaeil Fhánada — —
2023– Jim McGuinness (2) Naomh Conaill — —

Players

Notable players
For individual player details, see list of Donegal inter-county footballers.

Records

Most appearances

As of 1 May 2020. Neil McGee's total is from 2022, when he retired.

Neil McGee has the most senior appearances in the history of Donegal (195), breaking Colm McFadden's record (173) in 2019.
  • The following are among those to have made the highest number of appearances for the senior team:
# Name Career Apps
1 Neil McGee 2006–2022 195[77]
2 Colm McFadden 2002–2016 173[108]
3 Frank McGlynn 2006–2019 172
4 Christy Toye 2002–2016 163
5 Brian Roper 1995–2009 159[109]
6 Michael Murphy 2007–2022 156
7 Eamon McGee 2004–2016 154
8 Karl Lacey 2004–2017 148[110]
9 Matt Gallagher 1981–1995 147
10 Rory Kavanagh 2002–2016 146
11 Neil Gallagher 2005–2015 140
12 Martin McHugh 1981–1994 138
13 Brendan Dunleavy 1975–1989 137
Paul Durcan 2004–2015
15 Adrian Sweeney 1996–2008 136
16 Donal Reid 1983–1993 135
17 Gary Walsh 1984–1996 133
18 Brian Murray 1984–1998 131
19 Seamus Bonner 1972–1985 129
Joyce McMullan 1982–1994 129
21 Michael Hegarty 1999–2011 127
22 Noel McCole 1974–1984 123
Anthony Molloy 1982–1994 123[18]
Kevin Cassidy 2002-2011 123
25 Damian Diver 1995–2006 120[111]

Top scorers

Updated 14 August 2018.[112]

Michael Murphy is Donegal's top scorer with more than 500 points.
# Name Career Total Goals Points Appearances Average
1 Michael Murphy 2007–2022 577 28 493 142 4.06
2 Colm McFadden 2002–2016 513 25 438 173 2.97
3 Martin McHugh 1981–1994 444 16 396 138 3.22
4 Manus Boyle 1985–1998 350 14 308 116 3.22
5 Adrian Sweeney 1996–2008 340 16 292 136 2.5
6 Brendan Devenney 1998–2009 312 22 246 104 3
7 Tony Boyle 1992–2001 269 20 209 107 2.51
8 Patrick McBrearty 2011– 261 7 240 96 2.72
9 Declan Bonner 1983–1995 229 12 193 110 2.08

All Stars

Donegal has 34 All Stars, as of 2019. 22 different players have won, as of 2019. No player has won more than four All Stars.   denotes that a player also won Footballer of the Year for the year in question.

1972: Brian McEniff
1974: Donal Monaghan
1983: Martin McHugh
1990: Joyce McMullin
1992: Gary Walsh, Matt Gallagher, Martin Gavigan, Anthony Molloy, Martin McHugh2nd, James McHugh, Tony Boyle
1993: John Joe Doherty
2002: Kevin Cassidy
2003: Adrian Sweeney
2006: Karl Lacey
2009: Karl Lacey2nd
2011: Karl Lacey3rd, Kevin Cassidy2nd, Neil McGee
2012: Paul Durcan, Neil McGee2nd,  Karl Lacey 4th, Frank McGlynn, Neil Gallagher, Mark McHugh, Michael Murphy, Colm McFadden
2014: Paul Durcan2nd, Neil McGee3rd, Neil Gallagher2nd, Michael Murphy2nd
2016: Ryan McHugh
2018: Ryan McHugh2nd
2019: Michael Murphy3rd

Player of the Year
YearWinnerClub
1960Seamus HoareSt Eunan's
1961
1962Frankie McFeelySeán MacCumhaills
1963Brendan McFeely (2)Seán MacCumhaills
1964Paul KellyCloich Cheann Fhaola
1965P. J. FloodFour Masters
1966P. J. Flood (2)Four Masters
1967John HanniganSt Eunan's
1968Brian McEniffSt Joseph's
1969Declan O'CarrollSt Joseph's
1970John Boyle
1985Brendan DunleavySeán MacCumhaills
1986Martin ShovlinNaomh Ultan
1987Noel McColeAn Clochán Liath
1988[113]Anthony MolloyArdara
1989Gary WalshAodh Ruadh
1990[113]Anthony Molloy (2)Ardara
1991Matt GallagherNaomh Bríd
1992Barry McGowanKillybegs
1993[114]Marty CarlinRed Hughs (Killygordon)
1994Sylvester MaguireAodh Ruadh
1995
1996Barry McGowan (2)Killybegs
1997Jim McGuinnessNaomh Conaill
1998Brendan DevenneySt Eunan's
1999Brendan Devenney (2)St Eunan's
2000Damian DiverArdara
2001Mark CrossanSt Eunan's
2002Adrian SweeneyAn Clochán Liath
2003Barry MonaghanFour Masters
2004Damian Diver (2)Ardara
2005Neil GallagherGlenswilly
2006Karl LaceyFour Masters
2007Rory KavanaghSt Eunan's
2008Brian RoperAodh Ruadh
2009Michael MurphyGlenswilly
2010
2011Karl Lacey (2)Four Masters
2012Colm McFaddenSt Michael's
2013[115]Michael Murphy (2)Glenswilly
2014Neil Gallagher (2)Glenswilly
2015[116][117]Frank McGlynnGlenfin
2016Ryan McHughKilcar
2017[118]Patrick McBreartyKilcar
2018[119]Eoghan Bán GallagherKillybegs
2019[120]Michael Murphy (3)Glenswilly

Honours
Official honours, with additions noted.[1]

National
The Donegal flag displayed on the day the county won the National Football League for the first time in 2007

Provincial

References
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