Murphy and McFadden in Ballybofey against Kerry. They’ll be back there for Tyrone in May www.donegaldaily.com
THE Donegal County Board has scored a significant victory tonight – Donegal WILL begin the defence of their Ulster title against Tyrone in BALLYBOFEY!
The move was ratified by the Ulster council after repair work at MacCumhaill Park upgraded the stadium to meet GAA requirements.
Tyrone had hoped the first round Championship match would be switched to Clones, with Jim McGuinness, his players and the county board insisting that Donegal should not have to give up home advantage.
A county board spokesman said: “Donegal are delighted to confirm that we will retain home advantage for the first round match against Tyrone in May.”
The date for the game is May 26th.
Fans too have welcomed the decision.
Donegal Daily GAA blogger Cathal MacSuibhne said: “It was the right decision for everyone and for fair play.
“In the Ulster championship when you get home advantage that’s the luck of the draw and home advantage belongs to Donegal.
“It would have been unfair to have been forced to go to Clones.”
Meanwhile Donegal’s U-21 side, who beat Tyrone in the last round, will play Derry in the semi-final in Omagh on Wednesday, April 3.