Murphy and McGuinness combo can lead Donegal back to Sam Maguire - Diarmuid Connolly

Diarmuid Connolly believes Donegal has what it takes to land another All-Ireland title under Jim McGuinness as the Ulster champions prepare to kick off their provincial campaign with a preliminary round clash against Derry next month. 

The six-time All-Ireland winner has also questioned Galway’s credentials to go all the way having lost two All-Ireland finals in the last three years, including last season’s defeat in the decider at the hands of Armagh. 

Galway go into this weekend’s National League encounter with Kerry at the top of the Division 1 table, but both Dublin and Donegal are hot on their heels and level on points with the Tribesmen ahead of respective away fixtures in Tyrone and Mayo.   

“Galway have a huge question mark now they’ve been to Croke Park a couple of times and not got over the line,” Connolly said. 

“It’s not their footballing ability, but maybe their mental block. I can’t write off Kerry because they have the forwards, they have the class. Similarly with Dublin, if they can get the personnel on the pitch. I just don’t know if they have the squad depth to cope with what happened last summer - lads leaving and retirees.  

“Donegal however have been building the last two years, they have the forwards to kick from distance and they have the inside men. Michael Murphy is back, albeit in a different capacity, but his leadership steadies them a bit for me. Add in the manager Jim McGuinness and they have a bit of an aura about them.  

“They have a great shout in Ulster and if they get beyond that stage, they have the know-how to go to Croke Park and put up a performance. I’m not saying this year will be their year, but over the next couple of years if they stay on this trajectory, they could get there.” 

 Diarmuid Connolly is a Gaelic Games ambassador for BoyleSports.