The preliminary round of the 2021 Eirgrid u-20 Ulster Championship championship throws in this Friday evening, July 2nd, in Páirc Sheáin Mhic Cumhaill, Ballybofey at 8 pm. Donegal will play Armagh and should they win, seven days later they will travel to play Tyrone in Healy Park.
Ulster GAA will be streaming the game live and providing a virtual programme. As always, CLG Dhún na nGall plan to provide direct links to both the stream and the programme from the landing page of their website as soon as they are available.
In an interview this morning, manager Gary Duffy, admitted it was problematic to prepare a team with the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 lockdowns. The absence of a league campaign added further difficulties and preparations have been stop-start with the All-County league fixtures although Donegal have played challenge games against Fermanagh and Mayo. Armagh are coached by the experienced Peter McDonnell and Gary expects a tough physical challenge while noting that Armagh’s preparations will have faced similar difficulties due to the pandemic.
Donegal’s Rory O Donnell in action during the Jim Mc Guigan Cup final against Monaghan in Omagh in 2019.
Milford’s Rory O’Donnell will captain the side and Gary praised his natural leadership qualities. A squad will be named over the next few days with the only potential injury worries at present being Joey Gillespie and Sean Curran.
Winner on the day regulations will apply.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Mon 28th Jun
