Donegal v Mayo: Match details, news, and where you can watch it

Jim McGuinness’s Ulster champions are locked in a three-way battle for a place in the National Football League final as the competition reaches its climax. 

For Donegal, everything now hinges on their trip to Castlebar this weekend, where their result against Mayo will determine their fate. Victory for either side could propel them into the league final at Croke Park next week—a prospect that carries both opportunities and risks, with Donegal set to host Derry in the Ulster Championship just a week later. 

At the start of the season, McGuinness’s return saw Donegal tipped as a side to watch under the revised rules introduced by the Football Review Committee. They lived up to those expectations with impressive wins over Dublin and reigning All-Ireland champions Armagh, before making history with a landmark victory against Kerry in Killarney.

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However, Galway took advantage of home conditions in Salthill to hand Donegal their first defeat of 2025, raising questions over the team’s priorities. Are they chasing league glory, or are they conserving energy for the bigger prize of championship success? 

McGuinness has rotated his squad in recent weeks, giving game time to fringe players. That was evident in their six-point loss to Tyrone in Letterkenny, where several key names were rested. 

Mayo, meanwhile, have found form after a shaky start to the season. They opened their campaign with back-to-back defeats to Dublin and Galway but recovered with a home win over struggling Tyrone. 

A turning point came with their victory against Kerry, lifting them away from the threat of relegation. They followed that up with a draw against All-Ireland champions Armagh in the Cathedral City, a result that could have been even better had they converted their late chances. 

So, where does that leave Division 1 heading into a thrilling final round? 

If Armagh and Tyrone defeat Derry and Dublin respectively, and Kerry draws with Galway, then three teams—potentially four, if Mayo loses — will finish level on seven points. In that case, scoring difference will decide who progresses to the league final. 

Galway, despite not being mathematically assured of a place, holds a significant advantage in scoring difference over Dublin and Donegal. That makes Pádraic Joyce’s side the favourites to book a spot in the final on 30 March. 

As things stand, the most likely decider will feature Galway, Dublin, or Donegal. But if Mayo overcome Donegal on Sunday, they could yet break into contention—provided both Galway and Dublin fail to win. 

Kerry remains in with a slim chance of making the final but would need a win over Galway by at least three points, combined with a Dublin loss to Tyrone and a favourable scoring difference. 

With everything still to play for, nothing will be settled until the final whistle. Derry has already been relegated, but the second relegation place is still wide open, with Kerry, Mayo, Armagh, and Tyrone all in danger. Meanwhile, two of Galway, Dublin, Donegal, Mayo, and Kerry will battle their way into the National League final. 

Match Details      

Fixture: Donegal v Mayo 

Competition: Division 1 National Football League, Round 7 

Date and Venue: Sunday, March 23, MacHale Park, Castlebar 

Throw-in: 3.45pm       

Live Broadcast: Spórt TG4 will show this match from Castlebar