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28 Jan 2026
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28 Jan 2026
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The Ulster football league gets under way on 8 February, and clubs will be hoping that snow doesn't stop play!
Nine Donegal clubs have learned their opponents for the 2026 pre-season competition following the release of the fixtures this week.
The competition has attracted 67 clubs from across the nine Ulster counties, with 16 teams competing in the senior section, 29 in the intermediate grade and 22 at junior level.
All clubs are guaranteed a minimum of three group games, with group winners progressing to the knockout stages. The league begins on Sunday, 8 February, with round two scheduled for February 15, the third game on 1 March and an extra round on 8 March for the groups with five teams.
Ardara, under new manager Clint Walsh, are Donegal’s sole representatives in the senior league. They have been drawn in Group C alongside Tullysaran (Armagh), Truagh Gaels (Monaghan) and Belnaleck (Fermanagh). They'll play Truagh at Pearse Memorial Park, but are on the road for their other ties.
Read more: The Alternative View: Jim McGuinness and the media, a storm in a teacup
Three Donegal clubs will compete in the intermediate section - Burt, Malin and Red Hugh’s.
Malin and Red Hugh’s have been paired together in Group G, a five-team section which will see each side play four matches. They will also face Tír na nÓg (Armagh), Craigbane (Derry) and Owen Roe O'Neill’s Leckpatrick (Tyrone). Red Hugh’s will travel to Malin for their final group game on 8 March.
Burt have been placed in Group F, where they will take on Glenravel (Antrim), Naomh Pól (Armagh) and Greenlough (Derry).
Five Donegal clubs will compete in the junior league.
Letterkenny Gaels and Naomh Bríd have been drawn together in Group A and will meet in Ballintra on February 22. Their other group opponents are Breac an Bhile Eoghan Rua (Tyrone), Drum (Derry) and Scotstown reserves (Monaghan).
Convoy, beaten finalists in the competition in 2024, have been drawn in Group D and will host Urris in the opening round on February 8. Ballerin (Derry) and Strabane Sigersons (Tyrone) complete that four-team group.
Naomh Ultan will contest Group C, where they are set to face Moneymore (Derry), Stewartstown Harps (Tyrone) and Ballyhegan (Armagh).
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