A wonderful day in Croke Park for an All-Ireland senior football final that I for one cannot wait for. Both times out on the sod now. 20 minutes to throw-in.
Usually there is one clear underdog that the neutrals want to win. Not this year. We would really be happy with either team winning.
DONEGAL: P Durcan; P McGrath, N McGee, F McGlynn; E McGee, K Lacey, A Thompson; N Gallagher, R Kavanagh; M McHugh, L McLoone, R Bradley; P McBrearty, M Murphy (c), C McFadden
MAYO: D Clarke(c); K Keane, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; L Keegan, D Vaughan, C Boyle; B Moran, A O'Shea; K McLoughlin, J Doherty, A Dillon; E Varley, C O'Connor, M Conroy
President Michael D Higgins and GAA president Liam O'Neill prepare to mee the teams. But the teams aren't ready.
Can Mayo break Donegal down? I don't think so.
The parade has now begun.
Can Mayo kick enough scores from outside the 45 or created chances closer to goal?
For Donegal, Colm McFadden is the only player that shoots from anywhere. The rest only shoot after a very good opportunity has been created.
"Donegal's defensive system remains virginal in the sense that it hasn't been penetrated" - Joe Brolly
Two huddles in the middle of the field. For what it's worth, Donegal by four or five for me.
Who is Martin Carney supporting?
Mayo have a strong wind in their favour in the first half.
@Áine - we'll know that after
Amhrán na bhFiann done and dusted. Looking forward to this.
Incidentally, the teams fooled us and switched sides before the throw-in. Donegal playing with the wind.
It goes without saying that numbers are irrelevant here
Kevin Keane gone to mark Michael Murphy
Neil Gallagher wins the first midfield aerial battle
Mark McHugh unmarked when he drops deep, which is surprising.
Goal from Michael Murphy after 2mins 30 seconds.
Absolutely class delivery by Karl Lacey to Michael Murphy. It was one-on-one with Keane, there could only be one winner.
Murphy catches, turns, and sends a thunderous drive from the 13m line to the roof of the Mayo net.
Terrible tackle by Lee Keegan on Mark McHugh. Earns him a yellow, seconds after Jason Doherty went into the book.
Colm McFadden points the resultant free. DONEGAL 1-1 MAYO 0-0
Donegal full-back line completely on top at the moment.
Michael Conroy fouled by Neil McGee. He is absolutely crucial to Mayo. The only inside man with speed and movement to threaten Donegal
Dreadful effort by Enda Varley from the resultant free and Donegal clear.
GOAL DONEGAL - Colm McFadden.
Some drama in this score. It goes like this.
Cillian O'Connor should have had a free at the other end of the field. Instead, he was penalised for overcarrying.
He could be in trouble after that because he threw a weak old punch at Anthony Thompson.
Had a harmless half-dig at Eamonn McGee and McGee should be embarrassed by his subsequent dive. Both got yellows.
From there, Donegal worked it up the field, and Paddy McBrearty hit the post when he should have pointed.
A Mayo defender spilled the ball to McFadden, who slid low to the net. DONEGAL 2-1 MAYO 0-0
David Clarke saves from McFadden after another Murphy fetch. Why isn't Ger Cafferkey on Murphy?
Mark McHugh wins a 40-60 challenge there. James Horan won't be happy with that. Amongst other things.
Mayo get off the mark. An absolutely brilliant point by one of the most underrated footballers in the country, Kevin McLoughlin
A wonderful day in Croke Park for an All-Ireland senior football final that I for one cannot wait for. Both times out on the sod now. 20 minutes to throw-in.