Referee appointed for Donegal’s Ulster clash with Down

Paddy Neilan has been appointed as the referee for Donegal’s Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final against Down.

Jim McGuinness’s side will begin their defence of the Anglo Celt Celt Cup this Sunday when they meet Conor Lafferty’s men at O’Donnell Park.

The Roscommon referee has marshalled some big encounters during his time including the 2025 All-Ireland Club Final as well as last term’s  Connacht decider between Mayo and Galway.

The Saint Faithleach’s clubman has also acted as a linesman in the 2022 and 2024 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship finals.

Neilan was the man in the middle for Donegal’s last eight encounter against Monaghan at Croke Park last year where the reigning Ulster champions recorded a six-point victory.