National Hurling League Division 2B:
Donegal v Armagh (Sunday, Letterkenny, 2pm)
Sunday is certainly D Day for both Donegal and Armagh as they collide in a crunch NHL Division 2B clash in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny.
And although it is only February, defeat for either county would send a strong whiff of relegation through their ranks. Both sides lost narrowly last time out, as a weakened Tir Chonaill were defeated by Mayo by four points. The Donegal boys were without Jamesie Donnelly, Enda McDermott, Danny Cullen and ace marksman Lee Henderson was forced to retire with a hip injury. They also lost Christopher McDermott to a second yellow card early in the second-half. In that context, their display against a strong Mayo side is fairly creditable.
But Sylvester McConnell’s Armagh men put in an even more convincing display as they ran division heavyweights Down to a mere two points in the Athletic Grounds. Indeed, had the Armagh lads maintained their fine first-half momentum, they could have carved out a memorable victory. It took the fancied Ards men a long time to settle and they showed their mettle as the match progressed.
Cahair O'Kane and Andy Watters give their thoughts on this weekend's National Hurling League fixtures
Despite that defeat, Armagh will be travelling north in the knowledge that they have not lost a match to Donegal at this level for over 15 years. But Donegal will be slightly buoyed by the fact they have beaten Armagh at underage level in recent years.
Either way, there is a clear Armageddon feel to this clash. On paper Armagh would be slightly fancied to win. They met Ardal McDermott’s men twice in the past two years and defeated them in the NHL and in the Nicky Rackard.
On both occasions, the sheer physique of the Orchard boys was significant. And in Ryan Gaffney and Declan Coulter, they have two outstanding stickmen. Armagh were cruelly denied a Nicky Rackard Cup trophy in Croke Park last year. After dominating Roscommon for the entire match, they lost by a single point after the Rossies captain Michael Kelly crashed a last minute free to the net. The manner of this defeat stung deeply and will be a strong motivating factor for the Orchard county.
Donegal survived their first ever year at this relatively exalted slot through a last minute victory over Tyrone. They will be hoping to consolidate their position and stay up this season. Of the two sides, they will have been more disappointed than Armagh as the Mayo match was one they had targeted for victory, despite the injuries.
For Donegal, much will depend on the availability of elegant midfielder Danny Cullen. The former NUIG star is one of the finest hurlers in the province and has been the oil in the Donegal engine for almost a decade. Lee Henderson could also be doubtful and that could really weaken their chances. In contrast, Armagh are relatively injury-free.
Donegal’s experienced defender Joe Boyle agrees Armagh may be fancied, but stresses that Donegal are capable of pulling off a shock victory: “We have had a few injuries, but there is a great sense that we should have taken the points last week,” he said.
“We know that Armagh will present a very tough challenge tomorrow and they have beaten us in the past. We lost Danny Cullen just before the Mayo match and are hopeful that he will be back in action for the game with Armagh.”
And Boyle concedes the loser on Sunday will have a tough station ahead: “There is no doubt that both ourselves and Armagh should have won last week.
“They were perhaps a bit unlucky not to defeat Down and will be full of confidence coming to Letterkenny. Armagh have great physique in central positions and this is something we have struggled with in the past. And we have not beaten them at this level for several years.
“We know what the consequences of a loss will mean for us on Sunday. But so will Armagh so it is going to be a very crucial match for both teams.”
