MARTIN Carney is a wise GAA head who starred for both Donegal and Mayo during his playing days, and he is eagerly awaiting Sunday’s big clash in Dr Hyde Park (throw-in, 4pm).
Tyrone will face Cavan in Enniskillen at the same time as the Donegal v Mayo match and all four counties head into the final round on two points.
That means it is all to play for to see who tops the group, and who is eliminated from this year’s championship in last place.
The team that finishes second will have home advantage in the Preliminary Quarter-Final, while the third-placed team will be away at the last 12 stage.
Donegal have the better score difference but that will only come into the equation if three teams finish level on points. If two teams are on the same amount then it is decided by head-to-head and Tyrone have that advantage over Donegal.
Mayo’s opening day defeat to Cavan was a big surprise and it leaves them under pressure even after they defeated Tyrone in Round 2.
If Mayo and Cavan are both beaten, the Breffni county will take the third spot on head-to-head.
Mayo have to get a result on Sunday but they do have a fine record in Dr Hyde Park where they haven’t been defeated since 2001.
And while they famously lost to Donegal in the 2012 All-Ireland Final, they have dominated the rivalry since then.
Carney is a shrewd GAA analyst who worked for RTÉ for many years, and is still working for Mid-West Radio.
He expects a tight game but feels Donegal are well-positioned if they can do well in midfield and get good displays from their leaders.
“The crucial areas will be where who can get most out of their big men.
“If (Michael) Murphy can dominate and impose his authority on the game then Donegal will be very hard to beat.
“And if Mayo get the collective performance, they got the last day they are in with a good shout.
“That performance last week against Tyrone was their first big display, but they will need the same again if they are to prevail.
“But if Donegal play to their best, they certainly will be favourites to win it.”
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