Championship 2014: Donegal

Manager: Jim McGuinness (4th season).Titles: Ulster 7 (2012); All-Ireland 2 (2012)2014 league: Won five, lost one, drew one to top Division Two. Promoted.Odds and Ends: All-Ireland 20/1; Ulster 3/1.Bookies say: Lose to Derry, exit All-Ireland quarter-final.Bookies said in 2013: Ulster champions, exit All Ireland semi-final.2013 championship: Lost Ulster final to Monaghan 0-13 to 0-7; Exited All-Ireland quarter-final to Mayo 4-17 to 1-10.First outing: v Derry, Celtic Park, 25th May.

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness

If it’s Jim McGuinness’s last hurrah, then the first part couldn’t have gone much better. Still working off a thinner squad than most of the other contenders, they are nonetheless a real force when everyone’s healthy. Though the loss of Mark McHugh obviously isn’t good news, they are nonetheless experienced, focused and relentless when in the mood. No bad combination.


Last good day: All-Ireland champions 2012