BY JACK KENNEDY
1: Ciaran Moore’s dagger vs Mayo
Sunday 15 June, King & Moffat Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon
In the final game of Donegal’s Round Robin group it was a possibility that every team could finish top or bottom. In an end-to-end 60 minutes, Mayo and Donegal found themselves all level in the final act of the game.
Shaun Patton’s kickout found the hands of Ciarán Moore who had only one thing in mind. He made a final sprint towards the Graveyard End of Hyde Park and struck the ball between the posts.
Moore had ended Mayo’s Championship dreams and sealed Donegal’s spot in the next round. A sunny summer’s day finishing in smiles for the travelling Donegal support.
2:Niall O’Donnell’s heroic winner vs Armagh
Saturday 10 May, St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones
In a game that many will see as Donegal’s highlight of 2025, the 2025 Ulster Final was a clash for the ages. After 60 minutes, the sides couldn’t be separated and the game was taken to extra-time.
In a game that could have gone to either side, it took until the 87th minute for Niall O’Donnell to step up and score the all decisive point. Kicking off his left foot, Niall nailed his score and ensured that the Anglo-Celt Cup would return to the hills.
3: Michael Murphy’s returning point vs Armagh
Sunday 16 February, MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey
This Sunday evening under the lights in MacCumhaill park was all about one man. Michael Murphy. The return to Intercounty football after retirement in 2022. Murphy joined the action off the bench in the 44th minute. The roar from the crowd was thunderous, louder than any score.
His impact was immediate when Forker saw red for his actions against Murphy. But the moment the ball left the Glenswilly’s man’s left boot there was an eruption amongst the Donegal fans. Within a minute of his return to intercounty football Murphy had raised the white flag. A score that will be forever remembered.
Michael Murphy on the ball against Armagh
4: Michael Langan’s thunderbolt vs Monaghan
Saturday 28 June, Croke Park, Dublin
Donegal’s first visit to Croke Park in 2025 saw them get off to a shaky start. The Farney Men were ahead by seven at the interval.
Donegal, led by an outstanding Langan, played an amazing second 30 minutes of football, scoring 1-15 in that period. The highlight of this game was the Langan rocket past Beggan in the 44th minute. The St. Michael’s man left Beggan with no chance of stopping his strike. One of the goals of the season.
5: Ciaran Moore’s momentum changer vs Armagh
Saturday 10 May, St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones
In one of the game’s of the year, Moore’s extra-time goal in the Ulster Final was a massive moment. Armagh had poked their noses in front yet again but after a powering run from McGee, the ball was squared across to Moore who kept his composure and found the back of the net. This proved a massive moment as Armagh were only able to equalise but not find the winner which eventually led to the O’Donnell winner.
6: Oisín Gallen’s stunner vs Meath
Sunday 13 July Croke Park, Dublin
In a semi-final that finished comfortably for the Tír Chonaill men, a moment of magic from Gallen stood out amongst the rest of the scores. Gallen received it on the edge of the 13 and beat his man. A shot of his left foot was unsavable, finding the top right corner of the Davin End goal. A fantastic semi-final showing in front of a sea of green and gold fans.
7: Conor O’Donnell’s powerful run vs Kerry
Sunday 27 July, Croke Park, Dublin
In a disappointing end to a magnificent year for Donegal GAA, Conor O’Donnell’s All Ireland Final performance was one that he will never forget.
Four points from play in any final is impressive nevermind against this great Kerry team. The score that sums up his performance happened in the 22nd minute. O’Donnell wins the breaking ball on the 65 and powers past Mike Breen’s challenge. The Carndonagh man swept the ball over with his right foot on the 13 metre line. A moment Conor and his family will never forget.
8:Daire Ó Baoill’s cool finish vs Derry
Sunday 6 April. MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey
A gorgeous April afternoon saw Donegal overcome their neighbours in a thrilling Championship opener. Daire Ó Baoill’s magic shone against the Oakleaf County. Ó Baoill scored 1-4 but the pick of the bunch being his goal. A Derry kickout intercepted by Thompson found its way to Ó Baoill who drove through the heart of the Derry defence. The Gaoth Dobhair native kept his cool and found the bottom corner.
Donegal’s Dáire Ó Baoill
9: Finnbarr Roarty’s fast break vs Cavan
Sunday 1 June, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan
After defeat against Tyrone, Jim and co. got things back on track with a convincing win at Breffni Park.
In a highly competitive opening 30 minutes, it was Finnbarr Roarty who separated the sides with his goal on the stroke of half time. A perfectly executed team goal was finished by the superb Roarty. His lung-busting run found him on the small square, palming the ball into an empty net.
For the Young Footballer of 2025, this was his first goal at Senior level in a Donegal jersey.
10: Daire Ó Baoill’s orange flag vs Dublin
Saturday 1 February, MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey
Donegal’s first outing of the year saw them take on Dublin in Ballybofey. The first sight of Donegal in action with the new rules was an entertaining one.
Daire Ó Baoill won the Man of the Match on this occasion and well deserved it was. The Gaoth Dobhair man kicked six points, the pick of the bunch being his delightful two- pointer. The first Donegal player to ever raise the orange flag. The Dubs were handed their first defeat of the year by an impressive Donegal side who used the new rules to their advantage.
