It was the day Donegal’s ‘likeable losers’ tag stuck.

For the first time in more than 1,000 years a foreign invader made his way onto our shores via longboat yesterday — but, unlike the Vikings, this one was welcomed with cheers and waves by the natives.

THERE are certain things the people of Ballybofey have come to take for granted when the championship swings into town – gridlock, rising mercury and gut-wrenching defeats for the home team.

Dermot Molloy will join his Under-21 colleague Michael Murphy in the Donegal full-forward line for Sunday's Ulster SFC quarter-final against Down at Ballybofey (throw-in 2pm).

DONEGAL 3-11 LAOIS 0-5

IF the football All Stars were being selected today, is there anyone going to raise an argument against a first GAA gong for Cork’s Pearse O’Neill at centre-forward? Didn’t think so.

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).

BARRY MONAGHAN is adamant there will be “no excuses” from the Donegal camp if they fall to Cork in this weekend’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final even though they play their fifth game in four weeks.

OUTGOING Cavan football supremo Tommy Carr remains at the helm in the Breffni County after a dramatic county board meeting last night.

Donegal 0-14 Galway 0-13

Donegal 2-13 Derry 0-18

Donegal 0-11 Tyrone 0-8

CORK captain Graham Canty has been passed fit to play for Cork and resumes his centre-back position for Sunday’s NFL showdown with Fermanagh at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Donegal 1-14 Armagh 2-9

Donegal manager Brian McIver has given a vote of confidence to the team that dismissed Roscommon for tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC qualifier against Monaghan in Ballybofey (throw-in 5pm).

Donegal 1-13 Kildare 1-11

Brendan Devenney will get a well-earned rest this weekend as he sits out Donegal's final game in NFL Division 1A before the league's knock-out stages come into view.

Limerick 2-12 Donegal 4-6

Donegal manger, Brian McIver has wielded the axe for Sunday's league encounter against Dublin making six changes from the side thumped by Tyrone in the McKenna Cup Final.

CORK 2-7 DONEGAL 1-12

The driver of a container with stolen cigarettes valued almost €2.5m is to carry out 120 hours community service in lieu of an 18-month prison sentence.

Cork 1-11 Donegal 1-10

Glenswilly clubman Colin Kelly has impressed manager Brian McIver enough to warrant inclusion in the Donegal team for Sunday's Ulster SFC quarter-final with Down in Ballybofey (throw-in 4.00pm).

THERE is one change on the Limerick team for Sunday's Allianz National Hurling League quarter-final against Waterford in Thurles.

Donegal manager Brian McEniff has named Eamonn McGee in his side for Sunday's SFC qualifier against Cavan, after the Sligo IT defender's leg responded well to intensive physiotherapy.

Donegal manager Brian McEniff has made no changes to his side ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland SFC qualifier date with Wicklow.

Donegal boss Brian McEniff will put his anger with the Ulster Council behind him when naming his side for Saturday's Ulster SFC semi-final replay with Armagh.

I REFER to your report on the admissions policy of Gorey Community School in Co Wexford (Irish Examiner, March 4).

Star forward Conor Mortimer hit a goal and four points in Ballina as 2004 All-Ireland finalists Mayo got off the mark for the second attempt in Division 1A - edging a dogged Donegal side 2-10 to 1-11.

Tyrone 1-11 Donegal 0-10

Fermanagh 1-10 Donegal 0-12 AET

Donegal 1-11 Tyrone 0-9

After enduring a tortured summer of suspension, Tyrone’s Gavin Devlin now stands on the brink of All-Ireland glory. Mark Gallagher reports.

TYRONE defender Ciaran Gourley is doubtful for the All-Ireland football final, after damaging a shoulder in training. There were fears the corner-back had dislocated the shoulder, but manager Mickey Harte yesterday issued more encouraging information.

Armagh centre-forward John McEntee is likely to escape punishment following his forearm smash on Donegal's Barry Monaghan in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Armagh forward John McEntee may miss out on the All-Ireland football final if hit with a heavy ban from the GAC tonight but the centre-forward received fulsome support from Tyrone's Gavin Devlin.

GAA PRESIDENT Sean Kelly yesterday leapt to the defence of under-fire referees and insisted the association will do everything in its power to ease the mounting pressure on them.

DONEGAL manager Brian McEniff has gambled on the fitness of powerful new midfielder Stephen McDermott for Sunday’s Bank of Ireland All-Ireland SFC semi-final clash with champions Armagh at Croke Park.

Donegal boss Brian McEniff has confirmed that centre-back Barry Monaghan is doubtful for Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final clash with Armagh because of a knee injury.

Experienced defender Damien Diver has been drafted back into the Donegal starting lineup ahead of their All-Ireland quarter-final replay against Dublin on Sunday.