Seven things to consider as Donegal look to book NFL Division 1 final spot

5 Donegal are in safe hands regardless of who they have between posts 

It is perhaps the best compliment to the displays of Gavin Mulreany that the continued absence of Shaun Patton hasn’t raised alarm bells. Mulreany is the only player to have started all eight of Donegal’s games in 2026. The St Naul’s goalkeeper has certainly taken his chance in the number 1 shirt as Patton continues to recover from an ankle injury. Adept off either foot, Mulreany is behind only Conor O’Donnell in the scoring stakes, scoring 0-19 so far to O’Donnell’s 3-13.  Mulreany saved a penalty in the win over Armagh and in the recent draw with Galway at Fr Tierney Park, he made a series of big saves. That has been a theme of his year so far. “Gavin has done really, really well, so that’s a big positive for us,” manager Jim McGuinness said after the Galway game. “He’s getting a run of games, which is massive for confidence.” McGuinness admitted that Patton’s return “is a bit away”, but is quite content for Mulreany to continue: “If it takes another period of time, that’ll be fine.”