There’s a comfort in the possibility that a home game can be a vital one

THE grievance aired that the provincial champions, with the exception of Dublin, are being punished by having to wait until the final round of the Super 8s to play their only game at home is not entirely sourced in reason.

Okay, it was an obvious disadvantage for Declan Bonner’s (right) Donegal because they began their campaign last night away from home. However, if Dublin are limited to one home game in future – the least that should be expected – ensuring that the opening round of Super 8 games are played on neutral grounds should work in the provincial champions’ favour. That said, there is an obvious risk that leaving your home game until last means it could count for nothing.

But it is more likely to count for something big, which is why it is built in as a reward in soccer’s Champions League that group winners get to play their second game at home.

Donegal’s ardour to change that schedule may cool when they lean on home comforts next month as they eyeball Tyrone in Ballybofey – a ground they have not lost in for eight years – with most likely an AllIreland semi-final up for grabs.