Ballybofey and bust for Donegal

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.

Yesterday was the third time in three seasons Donegal’s Ulster Championship ambitions came a cropper in the opening round at a sweltering MacCumhaill Park. So much for home comforts.

As was the case with Antrim and Derry before them, Down were made work for their win. A grand total of five points has separated the three visitors from Donegal in all that time, small comfort though that will be.