Before Derry ever thought of Cork in 1993...

All-Ireland holders Donegal entered the 1993 campaign aiming to become the first side to go back-to-back in Ulster since Derry in 1975 and ’76

BATTLE: Martin McHugh of Donegal and Henry Downey of Derry during the 1993 Ulster football final. Pic: INPHO

Before the Sam Maguire for Derry in 1993 there was the Anglo Celt. And before the Anglo Celt there was the chaos of what was one of the most memorable provincial campaigns for the nine most northerly counties.

Ulster was in a state of flux 30 years ago. Invigorated by Down ending the province’s 23-year wait for an All-Ireland title in 1991 and emboldened by Donegal winning their first 12 months later, a light-headed giddiness infected county dressing rooms as possibilities became apparent and barriers became obsolete.