It must be the northern air. It must be something. What else can explain the way successful managers are treated at the tip of the country?

Reports of Jim McGuinness remaining in charge of the Donegal senior footballers for next season are premature, according to sources within the county.

Two of Donegal's 2012 All-Stars, Karl Lacey and Neil Gallagher, are set to miss their Ulster SFC semi-final clash with Down on Sunday week.

COLIN REGAN never expected to be in this job. On February 21, 2010, his mind was only on football as he jogged out onto the pitch for the first run out of the year with Melvin Gaels, a day after firing 1-1 for the Leitrim senior footballers in a league game against Kilkenny.

EA SPORTS Cup holders Sligo Rovers have been drawn against non-league surprise packets Cockhill Celtic in the Second Round of the competition.

Donegal will run out unchanged for Sunday afternoon's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final encounter with Munster champions Cork at Croke Park (throw-in 2pm).

IRISH EXAMINER photographer Denis Minihane last night picked up two national awards from his peers for the quality of his pictures.