Donegal v Mayo: Three key match-ups to keep an eye on

DARRAGH BEIRNE V SHEA MALONE

These two may end up operating at opposite ends of the park, but the parallels between the youthful kickers are striking.

Both youngsters had an explosive 2025. Beirne was a key cog in a trident of well-oiled machines that
secured silverware.

Whether it was shining in the red of St Colman’s College as they captured the Connacht crown and went on a journey all the way to the Hogan Cup final, the famed Mayo jersey as the Under-20s ended a drought to claim the JJ Fahy Cup, or as Claremorris clinched Under-21 glory, the raw pedigree was clear to see.

Malone, if it’s even possible, has enjoyed an even more meteoric rise in Gaelic games.

In March 2025, he was togging out for the Naomh Conaill B club side, having only tried his hand at
football when his season at Sligo Rovers ended.

However, the club’s senior manager, Martin Regan, spotted his savage talent and brought him into the fold as they went in pursuit of Donegal Championship glory.

That decision bore major fruit, as Malone scored a clutch Frank Irwin-esque two-point free to bring the
county final to extra time, before Naomh Conaill edged out Gaoth Dobhair.

Both youthful ballers have rightly received call-ups to their county sides and have excelled in the opening rounds.

Both found the onion bag on their debuts. Beirne also rattled the net against the Dubs the weekend after, while Malone helped carve open the Kingdom for Daire O’Baoill’s three-pointer.

If either of these sizzling talents catches fire in O’Donnell Park, it could prove important in maintaining
their side’s flawless run.