Sweeney drafted in by Donegal

2003 All-Star Adrian Sweeney has been drafted into the Donegal side for Sunday's Ulster SFC final against Armagh (Croke Park, throw-in 2.15pm).

Sweeney, who scored 0-41 during the 2003 championship, will make his first start of this year's campaign, replacing the injured Michael Doherty at left corner forward.

That is the only change Donegal manager Brian McIver has made to the side that beat Derry three weeks ago. Doherty, the team's regular free-taker, injured his knee in the semi-final win over Derry.

A plumber by trade, Sweeney was a second half substitute against Derry and had resigned himself to being on the bench this weekend.

He said earlier this week: "I would think it’ll just be the substitute role again on Sunday. I’m nearly sure of it because Brian (McIver) has a tendency to go for the younger legs."

But McIver is banking on the Dungloe clubman having a big influence on proceedings on Sunday as the 29-year-old has bags of big day experience.

Sweeney scored 0-04 when the Tir Chonaill men were edged out by Armagh in the 2003 All-Ireland semi-final.

Donegal last won the Ulster title in 1992 - the year of their one and only All-Ireland triumph.

DONEGAL (SFC v Armagh) - P Durcan; K Lacey, P Campbell, N McGee; E McGee, B Monaghan, B Dunnion; N Gallagher, B Boyle; C Toye (capt), M Hegarty, C Bonner; R Kavanagh, C Dunne, A Sweeney.