THERE is a noticeable increase in the number of Donegal clubs that have entered the Ulster League in 2025.
The pre-season competition is usually viewed as a chance to get things up-and-running on the club front, and is a good opportunity to blood young players.
However, it has taken on even more importance this year as clubs attempt to get to grips with the new rules which will be in operation this season.
Pauric Bonner is back in charge of Killybegs this season and his team are in Group E of the Senior League alongside Damian Devaney’s Ardara, and Derry clubs Banagher and Swatragh.
Gaoth Dobhair entered the Ulster League last year and it served them well.
Rónán Mac Niallais is still calling the shots for Gaoth Dobhair and they are in the same group as Dessie Gallagher’s Dungloe, and Glenullin and Faughanvale from the Oak Leaf county.
Four Masters won’t be able to call upon any of their Abbey VS players when they take on Gary Wilson’s Sean MacCumhaills. Barry Dunnion is the new bainisteoir of Masters.
St Malachy’s Castledawson (Derry) and All Saints (Ballymena) are also in that group.
There is an Inishowen derby at the Scarvey in Group G of the Intermediate League as Gary Duffy’s Buncrana lock horns with Malin, who are now under the guidance of Paul Gallagher.
Foreglen (Derry) and Owen Roes (Tyrone) complete that quartet.
Burt, who are yet to confirm a manager for the coming season, will square off against Craigbane in Group F of the Intermediate League.
It’s only a couple of months since Muff defeated Craigbane in the Ulster Junior Championship Final.
Conn Mag Aoidh and Naomh Eargnait, Moneyglass (both Antrim) are also in that group.
In the Junior section, Naomh Bríd and St Mary’s, Convoy have both entered, and they square off this week. Sean Dolans (Derry) and Strabane Sigersons (Tyrone) are also in that group.
Saturday, February 8
Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League Group E
Banagher v Killybegs, Banagher, 12pm
Ulster GAA Football Intermediate Club League Group G
Buncrana v Malin, The Scravey, 4pm
Ulster GAA Football Intermediate Club League Group F
Burt v Craigbane, Hibernian Park, 6pm
Sunday, February 9
Ulster GAA Football Junior Club League Group E Round 1
Naomh Bríd v St Mary’s, Convoy, Trummon, 11am.
Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League Group G Round 1
Four Masters v Sean MacCumhaills, Tir Chonaill Park, 12pm
Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League Group H Round 1
Faughanvale v Dungloe, Faughanvale, 12pm
Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League Group H Round 1
Gaoth Dobhair v Glenullin, Magheragallon, 1pm
Ulster GAA Football Senior Club League Group E
Swatragh v Ardara, Swatragh, 2pm
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