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06 Sept 2025

Confirmed: A Donegal win will mean an All-Ireland semi-final against Galway

Donegal take on Louth in an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park this afternoon and Jim McGuinness's side now know what victory will mean

Confirmed: A Donegal win will mean an All-Ireland semi-final against Galway

Donegal's Michael Langan is tackled by Seán Kelly of Galway during a 2023 game in the Allianz League. Photo: Sportsfile

The GAA has moved to clarify the possible pairings for the All-Ireland SFC semi-finals.

Donegal's position is now very simple: A Donegal win over Louth in today's quarter-final will mean a semi-final meeting with Galway.

Regardless of the result of the last quarter-final between Derry and Kerry, should Jim McGuinness's side get over Louth at Croke Park they will face Galway in a semi-final in two weeks' time.

Galway dethroned reigning All-Ireland champions Dublin 0-17 to 0-16 at Croke Park on Saturday evening.

The draw for the semi-finals of the All Ireland SFC (if required) will take place on the Sunday Game Live this evening directly after the Quarter Final meeting of Kerry and Derry. 

The draw is subject to the avoidance of repeat pairings (where possible) from any stage in the Championship.

Here is what the GAA say about the possibilities

If Donegal & Kerry win today and join Armagh & Galway in the Semi-Finals:

No draw is required, as Armagh have played both Galway & Donegal, the pairings will be - Armagh v Kerry, Donegal v Galway

If Donegal & Derry win today and join Armagh & Galway in the Semi-Finals:

No draw is required, as all teams have played each other apart from Galway & Donegal, and the draw is subject to avoidance of repeat pairings, where possible, the pairings will be - Donegal v Galway, Armagh v Derry

If Louth & Kerry win today and join Armagh & Galway in the Semi-Finals:

A draw will be required, and due to repeat pairings, Armagh & Galway will be drawn against Louth & Kerry, the pairings will be - Galway v Louth/Kerry, Armagh v Louth/Kerry

If Louth & Derry win today and join Armagh & Galway in the Semi-Finals:

A draw will be required, as Armagh, Galway & Derry have all played each other. The four teams will be drawn from one bowl, in an open draw. 

 

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