Donegal clubs set to play under new rules as Ulster League kicks off this weekend

Donegal clubs have embraced the Ulster League in greater numbers this year, with a notable rise in participation for the 2025 competition with 11 clubs from the county partaking this season.

Traditionally seen as a warm-up tournament, the league provides teams with an early opportunity to prepare for the season ahead. However, this year’s edition carries added significance as clubs adjust to new rule changes set to take effect this weekend.

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Starting with the Ulster Senior League, Barry Dunnion has taken charge of Four Masters this season, but he will be without his Abbey VS contingent who play their MacRory Cup final this weekend. Masters face off against Sean MacCumhaills, managed by Gary Wilson, with that match now moved to Convoy on Sunday. Their group also features St Malachy’s Castledawson from Derry and Ballymena’s All Saints.

Killybegs, under the returning Pauric Bonner, find themselves in Group E, where they will face Ardara, led by Damian Devaney, along with Derry sides Banagher and Swatragh.

Gaoth Dobhair, who benefited from their involvement last year and are aiming to move on from their transitional period with a large cohort of young players in the ranks, are once again taking part. Rónán Mac Niallais remains at the helm, and his team will compete in Group H alongside last year's county finalists Dungloe, managed by Dessie Gallagher, as well as Glenullin and Faughanvale from Derry.

In the Intermediate League, Buncrana and Malin will go head-to-head in an Inishowen derby at The Scarvey in Group G.

Gary Duffy continues to lead Buncrana, while Malin now look to Paul Gallagher for guidance. They share their group with Foreglen (Derry) and Owen Roes (Tyrone).

Meanwhile, Burt, who are yet to confirm their manager for the season, will meet Craigbane in Group F. That fixture is particularly notable as Craigbane were defeated by Muff in last year’s Ulster Junior Championship final. Also in Group F are Conn Mag Aoidh and Naomh Eargnait, Moneyglass (both from Antrim).

At the Junior level, Naomh Bríd and St Mary’s, Convoy have both entered and will face each other in the opening round. Their group also includes Sean Dolans (Derry) and Strabane Sigersons (Tyrone).

Upcoming Fixtures

Saturday, February 8

Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League – Group E
Banagher vs Killybegs – Banagher, 12pm

Ulster GAA Football Intermediate Club League – Group G
Buncrana vs Malin – The Scarvey, 4pm

Ulster GAA Football Intermediate Club League – Group F
Burt vs Craigbane – Hibernian Park, 6pm

Sunday, February 9

Ulster GAA Football Junior Club League – Group E (Round 1)
Naomh Bríd vs St Mary’s, Convoy – Trummon, 11am

Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League – Group G (Round 1)
Four Masters vs Sean MacCumhaills – Convoy, 12pm

Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League – Group H (Round 1)
Faughanvale vs Dungloe – Faughanvale, 12pm
Gaoth Dobhair vs Glenullin – Magheragallon, 1pm

Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League – Group E
Swatragh vs Ardara – Swatragh, 2pm