Football

Donegal start Shaun Patton in Ulster Football Final - Armagh retain Blaine Hughes

Goalkeeper Blaine Hughes is aiming to return to the Armagh senior set-up. Picture by Seamus Loughran.
Armagh goalkeeper Blaine Hughes. Picture by Seamus Loughran.

DONEGAL are able to field first choice goalkeeper Shaun Patton for Sunday’s Ulster SFC Final – while opponents Armagh have stuck by Blaine Hughes as their netminder.

Patton takes over from Gavin Mulreany, who played in the semi-final victory over Tyrone, while Hughes has held off the challenge of former Orchard County number one Ethan Rafferty, who remains on the bench.

Tyrone are almost certain to drop off Shaun Patton's kickouts from the start on Sunday, making Donegal find a different way to beat them. Picture: Margaret McLaughlin
Donegal have recalled Shaun Patton. Picture: Margaret McLaughlin

Other than the recall for a fit-again Patton, both bosses have made no changes to the sides that started the semi-finals.

Armagh are aiming for a first Anglo-Celt Cup triumph since 2008, having lost last year’s final on penalties to Derry.

The Oak Leafers defeated Donegal after extra time in the 2022 decider, so the Tir Chonaill men haven’t enjoyed a senior final victory since 2019.

Donegal goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany during his side's win over Tyrone. Picture: Margaret McLaughlin
Donegal goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany during his side's win over Tyrone. Picture: Margaret McLaughlin

Armagh: B Hughes; P Burns, A McKay, P McGrane; J McElroy, Ciaran Mackin, A Forker; R O’Neill, B Crealey; S Campbell, R Grugan, J Og Burns; O Conaty, A Murnin, C Turbitt.

Donegal: S Patton; M Curran, B McCole, C Moore; R McHugh, C McGonagle, P Mogan; J McGee, M Langan; S O’Donnell, C Thompson, D O Baoill; P McBrearty, O Gallen, N O’Donnell.