Donegal the ‘benchmark’

Odds of up to 5/1 on a championship game between Donegal and Down wouldn’t have raised many eyebrows three years ago, but the identity of the rank outsiders when these two meet on Sunday most certainly would.

In 2010, it was Down pegged as the Ulster county to watch after a run to that season’s All-Ireland final and Donegal who seemed destined for further frustration after an ignominious championship exit in Crossmaglen.

And yet, here they are, with James McCartan’s men playing the role of plucky underdog against an opponent that has developed a winning habit on the back of a previously dormant collective spirit and work ethic.