Mett the men from the Hills: Donegal players in profile

Eamon McGee

(Gaoth Dobhair) Corner-back, 30 ONE half of the now famed defensive act from Gweedore, McGee featured in a winning Ulster final team for the first time this year and has proven, alongside his brother Neil, to be to backbone of the Donegal defence under the management of Jim McGuinness.

Anthony Thompson

(Naomh Conaill) Wing-back, 28 WHEN Jim McGuinness managed the Under 21s in 2010, then Galway student Thompson used to train those in college by the Corrib. The wing-back is sound defensively and often pops up quietly in offensive positions to supplement the attack.

Neil Gallagher

(Glenswilly) Midfield, 31 ONE of the few old school midfielders still operating at the top level, Gallagher had to play his way into Jim McGuinness’s plans initially. Offers great experience in the middle third with an exceptional fielding ability under the high ball.

David Walsh

(Naomh Brid) Wing-forward, 32 WALSH was the first substitute sprung from the bench in the 2012 All-Ireland final win over Mayo. The Ballintra native, who once was on Luton Town’s books, first appeared for Donegal as a 25-year-old against Derry in the 2008 Ulster Championship.

Rory Kavanagh

(St Eunan’s) Midfield, 32 KAVANAGH was suspended for the Ulster championship opener against Derry and forced his way back into the side against Dublin. A senior since 2002, he provides a ball playing and running function from midfield.

Paul Durcan

(Four Masters) Goalkeeper, 30 REGARDED as the only goalkeeper in the country in the same league as Dublin’s Stephen Cluxton. Durcan has conceded just two goals in this year’s championship and his kick-outs provide Donegal with a solid platform.

Neil McGee

(Gaoth Dobhair) Full-back, 28 MCGREE, a two-time AllStar, made his championship debut in 2006 and hasn’t missed a match since – a run of 44 appearances. The uncompromising full-back, a player of of incredible strength, leads the line at the edge of the Donegal square.

Karl Lacey

(Four Masters) Centre-back, 30 DONEGAL’S most decorated footballer – four All-Stars, a Footballer of the Year in 2012, three Ulster titles and an All-Ireland – has been back to his best after an injury-ravaged 2013. A key ingredient in Donegal’s defensive and offensive plans.

Leo McLoone

(Naomh Conaill) Half-forward, 25 HAVING been posted in the No 6 jersey for the Allianz League this season, McLoone returned to the half-forward role he excelled in back in 2012 come championship. The relocation worked a treated with goals against Derry and Antrim in Ulster.

Michael Murphy

(Glenswilly) Full-forward, 25 MURPHY was given the Donegal captaincy at just 20 and is the team’s leader in every way. The 2009 Young Footballer of the Year plays a free role and was described as Jim McGuinness as the most unselfish player he has managed.

Paddy McGrath (Ardara) Corner-back, 25

MCGRATH missed the entire Allianz League Division 2 campaign with a long-standing groin injury, but was surprisingly back in the side to face Derry in the Ulster quarter-final. A speedy corner-back, who fitted right in where he had left off.

Frank McGlynn

(Glenfin) Wing-back, 28 MCGLYNN was nominated for the 2012 Footballer of the Year award and has continued his excellent form in 2014. Has been a regular since making his debut in 2006 due to his fine defensive qualities and his ability to break forward with intent.

Odhrán MacNiallais

(Gaoth Dobhair) Midfielder, half-forward, 22 WITHOUT doubt, Jim McGuinness’s find of the season. MacNiallais’s goal against Armagh in the AllIreland quarter-final helped Donegal get a foothold in the contest, one which they won by just a point 1-12 to 1-11.

Ryan McHugh

(Kilcar) Sweeper, 20 Scored a memorable 2-2 against Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final last month and was also man of the match, adding to his award against Monaghan in the Ulster final. From the most famous family in Donegal, McHugh would love an AllIreland medal.

Colm McFadden

(St Michael’s) Corner-forward, 31 DONEGAL’S leading scorer of all-time was a goalscorer in the 2012 final as he scored 4-32 in Donegal’s road to Sam Maguire. Netted the vital third goal at Hill 16 against Dublin in the semi-final with a typically classy finish from close range.