Match Day | Cork v Donegal
Match Day | Cork v Donegal
The Cork Senior Footballers travel to Ballybofey on Saturday afternoon knowing that a place in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals is on the line.
John Cleary’s side face Donegal in Round 2A of the Championship at MacCumhaill Park, with throw-in scheduled for 3:00pm.
Having responded positively throughout the Championship campaign, Cork now face one of the biggest tests in Gaelic football as they take on Jim McGuinness’ Donegal outfit on home soil.
The match will be a landmark occasion for the hosts, who return to MacCumhaill Park for a historic championship fixture following the redevelopment of the Ballybofey venue. Donegal come into the game full of confidence after an impressive victory over Kerry in the previous round and are widely regarded as one of the leading contenders for Sam Maguire this season.
Cork, however, will travel north with belief and determination. The Rebels have shown resilience and character throughout the campaign and will be aiming to produce a performance capable of causing a major upset and securing a place in the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals for the first time since 2023.
There are two changes to the Cork starting team from the side named for the previous outing. Sean Walsh and Ian Maguire are named in midfield, while Ruairi Deane comes into the attack. Cork will be without Colm O’Callaghan, who is suspended following his dismissal against Meath.
Supporters will also be encouraged to see several players return to the matchday panel, including Cathail O’Mahony and Dara Sheedy, while Cork U20 captain Darragh Clifford is included among the substitutes.
Cork Team to Face Donegal
- Patrick Doyle
- Maurice Shanley
- Daniel O’Mahony
- Sean Meehan
- Brian O’Driscoll
- Tommy Walsh
- Luke Fahy
- Ian Maguire
- Sean Walsh
- Paul Walsh
- Sean McDonnell
- Ruairi Deane
- Mark Cronin
- Chris Óg Jones
- Stephen Sherlock
Cork Subs
- Michael Aodh Martin
- Jacob O’Driscoll
- Tomás O’Mahony
- Rory Maguire
- Darragh Clifford
- Dara Sheedy
- Conor Cahalane
- Eoghan McSweeney
- Conor Corbett
- Brian Hurley
- Cathail O’Mahony
Supporters unable to travel to Ballybofey should note that the game will not be televised. Live updates will be available across Cork GAA’s official social media channels throughout the afternoon, with score updates, key moments and behind-the-scenes content available on X and Instagram Stories.
We encourage all Cork supporters making the journey north to get behind the team and create a strong Rebel presence in Ballybofey.
Safe travels to all supporters, and best wishes to John Cleary, his management team and all the players.
