So much at stake in a clash of football ideologies

The Ulster championship minefield never allows its participants tiptoe into the escalating heat of summer. But even at that, there’s something climatic about the meeting of Donegal and Tyrone in Ballybofey tomorrow.

Of course, the layout of the championship, since the inception of the qualifiers in 2001, means it’s not strictly winner takes all anymore. But come Monday their momentum will be flowing in different directions, vastly changed by what occurs within the tight parameters of MacCumhaill Park.

The reason for the sheer magnitude of the day, May 26, is because of the emphasis Donegal have continually put on it. Jim McGuinness has hurled the lumps of coal on that fire himself.