Kelly to make Donegal debut
Glenswilly clubman Colin Kelly has impressed manager Brian McIver enough to warrant inclusion in the Donegal team for Sunday's Ulster SFC quarter-final with Down in Ballybofey (throw-in 4pm).
Kelly was drafted into the Donegal panel last month and made an instant impact, scoring two points against Antrim in a recent challenge match. Sunday will mark his senior debut for the Tír Chonaill men.
McIver's selection shows five changes to the side that started the NFL Division Two final replay against Louth in April.
Neil McGee comes in for Raymond Sweeney at right corner back, Eamon McGee, who has been restored to the panel following a breach of discipline, and Michael Hegarty gain roles in the half backs. Damien Diver and Brendan Boyle lose out with the versatile Barry Monaghan, who was named at centre-back against Louth, moving to midfield.
Kelly gets the nod at right corner forward with 2003 All-Star Adrian Sweeney, who has been suffering from a chest infection, amongst the substitutes. There is also a switch at full-forward with James Gallagher losing out to St. Eunan's starlet Conal Dunne.
Aodh Ruadh forward Brian Roper (hand) and defender Thomas Donoghue (leg) of Naomh Conall are both injured.
Sunday's tie is the 22nd championship meeting between the counties. Down lead 10-9 in previous meetings - there have been two draws - but Donegal, who claimed their last Anglo-Celt Cup in 1992, have edged the recent battles with victories in 2002 and 2003.
DONEGAL (SFC v Down): Paul Durcan; Neil McGee, Paddy Campbell, Karl Lacey; Eamon McGee, Michael Hegarty, Barry Dunnion; Neil Gallagher, Barry Monaghan; Christy Toye (capt), Ciaran Bonner, Rory Kavanagh; Colin Kelly, Conall Dunne, Michael Doherty.
