Donegal Advances to All-Ireland Football Final with Meath Victory

Donegal has reached the All-Ireland final for the first time in 11 years, with captain Patrick McBrearty acknowledging the team underperformed in the decade between Jim McGuinness's two managerial terms. McGuinness highlighted the challenge of facing Kerry in the final, emphasizing the need for every player to contribute against a confident and skilled opponent. The team's recent semi-final victory over Meath featured strong individual performances, including a standout effort from 19-year-old Finbarr Roarty, and a dominant display against Meath's defense, despite some missed scoring opportunities. Former Donegal player Brendan Devenney praised Meath's season but favored Donegal's experience and leadership, especially with Michael Murphy and McGuinness back in the fold. An interesting subplot emerged regarding the match jerseys, with both teams opting to wear their home colors, causing some confusion and criticism among fans. Caolan McGonagle's return to the Donegal bench after injury also provided a boost ahead of the semi-final clash with Meath.