Naomh Conaill - champions for the eighth time in Donegal Picture Thomas Gallagher
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23 Oct 2025
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23 Oct 2025
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Shane O'Donnell of Donegal is tackled by Christopher McKaigue of Derry during last year's Ulster championship
Following their last encounter, fans on both sides will be eager to claim bragging rights in this fierce rivalry as Donegal welcomes Derry to Fr Tierney Park Ballyshannon this weekend for round five of the national league.
The previous Ulster Championship meeting between these teams took place at Celtic Park in Derry, where Jim McGuinness led Donegal to victory over a Derry side managed by his long-time adversary, Mickey Harte in the opening round of the Ulster championship.
The Donegal men secured a six-point win that day, but it was their dominant performance that truly caught the eye, sending a clear message to the rest of the province — and beyond — that the 2012 All-Ireland champions were back in business when they slotted four goals past the then league champions.
READ NEXT: Letterkenny man Peter McEniff named Donegal New York GFC Player of the Year
From there, their seasons took very different paths. Derry suffered an early exit in the quarter-finals at the hands of Kerry, while Donegal claimed the Anglo-Celt Cup and reached the All-Ireland semi-finals before being edged out by Galway in McGuinness’s first season back as manager since 2014.
While this match may not carry the same weight as their last meeting, both teams have plenty to prove although many are speculating that there may be a certain level of shadow boxing considering these sides are set to meet in the championship in April.
But at the minute, Derry find themselves bottom of the Division 1 table and in danger of relegation in Paddy Tally’s debut league campaign. A victory here would significantly boost their chances of staying in the top tier of Gaelic football.
Donegal, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after dropping points to Galway in Salthill. With hopes of securing back-to-back league titles — having won Division Two last season — McGuinness’s side will be determined to return to winning ways.
However, McGuinness has been clear that a league final is not an essential target, given that teams reaching the final have a shorter turnaround before the championship begins.
Match Details
Fixture: Donegal v Derry
Competition: Division 1 National Football League, Round 5
Date and Venue: Sunday, March 2, Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon
Throw-in: 1.45pm
Live Broadcast: TG4 will show the game live
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