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To have 3 Derry men in a team of the 90s and not one from Donegal seems a bit revisionist. Of our 92 team I'd offer Martin McHugh with honourable mention to Gavigan and Tony Boyle. Donegal contested the first 4 Ulster finals of the 90s, winning 2 and took Sam home like Derry at the first opportunity. Tohill was class. I'd argue Canavans best period was in the 00s when he reached the summit.

I could share the respect given to Karl Lacey in 2013 as footballer of the year where he was spat on in the stand in Healy Park. I've yet to witness that low grade of behaviour from  a Donegal Gael and can assure you if I ever do the thug in question will get a good clip on the ear.

I'm warming to the idea of a home win myself. Midfield will most likely be a quagmire. Patton in goal. At the back I reckon Eoghan Ban will play alongside McGee and McGrath with McGlynn, Brennan and R McHugh making up the back 6. McLoone and McFadden at MF with Thompson, Langan and Eamon Doherty behind McNiallais, Murphy and Jamie Brennan. This team can win in Ballybofey. The atmosphere will be right where it should be for an AIQF. Biggest home game in my living memory.

Sludden a new venture. We need to do a Merchan job on him as it was shown he can be taken out of a game with close attention.

Tough to call this game.
Paddy is a big loss but Odhran can do OK in his absence. Tyrone maybe a year further down the track than Donegal but our forwards are still (even without Paddy McBrearty) a good bit better than the Tyrone hybrid half back half forward animal. Ref McHugh, McNiallas, Murphy.

Classic photo. What year? Colm Anthony and Christy were only nippers. Re the game I am worried. If Roscommon hadn't shipped such a catastrophic defeat we'd be in a stronger position than now. It's unlikely we'll  win by a similar margin in the Hyde if we do win. We therefore need Dublin to win to make the Ballybofey game a simple winner takes all contest. Home advantage is a big plus for the Rossies on Saturday.

Haha. Allergic to mushrooms indeed.
On todays game Id expect a test from Laois but if Beggan fires from long range it'll carry Monaghan over the line. You are better off going into the super 8s having had a test than us having played nobody. Yours is probably the tougher group with the two provincial champs being favourite to progress but Monaghan are primed to upset the applecart in that group. One upset v Kerry or Galway and win in  CP v Kildare and you're there. Best of luck.and safe travels today.

This is the first year in my living memory since earning my own money that I'll renege on attending a Donegal game due to finances I've travelled the country supporting Donegal but at present this Super 8s propaganda machine is effectively a very obvious money spinning machine designed to bleed even more money out of the loyal intercounty supporter. The perverse thing is that I'm better off now than I ever was through the last 20 years of gainful employment but I feel that 2018 is a watershed moment in the era of fan exploitation.
I also think that while teams can topple one of the big 2 in a one off game, the best time in which to do so being the traditional QF when they've just escaped a drab no contest at provincial level, there is now little chance Dublin or Kerry will not make an AI SF. This neutral game v Dublin in Croke Park is another pill to swallow. So for the first time in living memory I find myself asking what else do I need to save my money for. It's a loaded deck and it costs a small fortune to enjoy it. Anyone else suffering a similar disilliusionment?

A Jayop don't start that shite. I don't think any ref goes out with that attitude.

Syf, o know this is new territory for you but when your team is still in the last eight. Relax.
Enjoy it
No need to resort to default and slag off everyone.
You seem to have anger management issues.
I really hope ye get through to the semis, not for selfish reasons

I don't know what's insulting about stating what almost all neutrals think will happen. But keep doing what you're doing and convincing yourself it's me that looks petty.

If anything it's sad to see Cavanagh go. One of the best of his generation.

Is it f**k, Cavanagh is the softest big man in gaa history, there is no honour in lying down feigning hurt, the man mastered that discipline, comparwd to McGrane or Tohill he is a disgrace, he is a diving cheating b**tard in the harte mode,  C'mon the Dubs.

Just reality checking. Tyrone 2017 have been impressive but they've played nobody no disrespect to the rest of Ulster but we're a shambles. Last year the first test was failed. This year it's an infinitely bigger test. I don't expect Tyrone to lie down and have their bellies tickled but their McGuinness 2012 tactics will get a fair examination. Dublin have been honing playing against this for a few years now. They will recycle where others including us had it turned over. Pains me to say it because I'm not a Dublin fan but my dislike for Dublin is overshadowed by the dark arts masters across the bridge. I said to a neighbour last night that Dublin would put manners on Tyrone. He played a bit hI'm self in the 60s. He laughed and said it wasn't possible.

The theme and title of this thread is hilarious. Derry, Donegal, Down and Armagh dispatched and Dublin are there for the taking. That's very good. Don't think a ref will be as likely to punish the opposition for dives by Bradley, Mccann or Professor Cheat Sean Cavanagh on 27th. In fact if anything Dublin tend to get handy frees and build an early lead. Let's see if Saint Mickey has the nous to pull off a heist like the 2014 semi. The platform for that was built on QF day when Dublin beat Monaghan by pushing everyone up bar Cuxton.  They have learnt a little humility from that day when we stopped the 5 in a row before it started. Dubs v Kerry final. Hopefully Kerry to win it. Sean to retire and hopefully he takes his black card with him.

Hoping for a Donegal win but hoping is the height of it. We are a mixed bag and haven't had a good 70 mins yet. Kickoff strategy is vital as we'll probably need to play around midfield rather than through it. We need Murphy, Ryan McHugh and Frank McGlynn to put in big performances and we're in with a shout. Safe travels to all. Ádh mór orainn.

Plenty of tickets available. Big game ahead. Two pacy teams with little between them. A lot said about Donegal lack of experience ignores Tyrones players in the same boat. Last year's dissapointment will hopefully put fire in the bellies tomorrow. I think we've a stronger team this year than last with the clinging on to older legs costing us ultimately. The space in injury time last year was unforgivable. I expect Gillespie,  McGee etc to be more capable of going the distance. Langan a good option of the bench also. Massive game. Ulster is there to be won. May the best team win.

Donegal to win for me. Tyrone have a 15 on the field which is a little better than 2015 but not all that different. 11 of the starting 15 are the same. 3 more appeared as subs in last year's encounter. I don't buy the vast improvement being reported. Derry and Cavan are 3rd and 2nd tier ulster teams at present. Taking 2 attempts to beat Cavan was pretty gruesome.
Tyrones lack of consistency from placed balls and small stature up front will play into Donegals hands. Both teams have added pace to their game in the past 12 months. I think Donegal have more leaders across the pitch to shade this game. For me there was never much to separate the teams but of late we have managed the games better. Trend to continue and Harte to finish his Tyrone managerial stint in a QF against Dublin where rumours of Tyrone ability to challenge Dublin will be well and truly dispelled.
Ye wanted an honest opinion. 😆

I'd argue the past 3 Ulster finals had the two best teams in Ulster as well.
Neutrals seem to be loving all things Tyrone so far this year.
The draw has been kind to Tyrone thus far with arguably the easier first round and clearly the easier semi final.
The past 2 weeks in the trenches will have served Donegal well I'm guessing.
A parting Anglo Celt for about 6 of the Donegal panel.
Tir Chonaill Abu.