BBC pundits preview Ulster Football final

BBC News

10-05-2025

In a repeat of last year's Ulster final, the defending champions Donegal take on the All-Ireland champions Armagh at a sold-out Clones. The Tir Chonaill men are hoping to retain the title while Armagh are aiming to win the Anglo-Celt cup for the first time since 2008 after penalty shootout defeats to Derry and Donegal in 2023 and 2024. BBC Sport NI will have you fully covered across all platforms on Saturday.The TV coverage begins on BBC Two NI and the BBC iPlayer at 16:55 BST and you can also watch the programme live on the BBC Sport website.The Ladies final will be live on the iPlayer and website from 14:55.The BBC Sport website will be your hub for all of our coverage where our live page will have live text updates, in-play clips, analysis, reaction and highlights.
Chrissy McKaigue (Former Derry captain)
I'll keep it short and keep it simple, my prediction is Donegal to win by one or two points.I just feel with Jim McGuinness' record in the Ulster Championship that it would be hard to make a case to go against him. That being said he is facing probably one of, if not the most difficult opponents ever in the reigning All-Ireland champions Armagh. I just think that Donegal in their past two games have probably not played to their full potential and if they're primed for a big game I think it might be an Ulster final. It's a difficult one to call and Armagh could very easily win this game also.At present I think that Donegal and Armagh, alongside Galway and Kerry, are amongst the four best teams in the country and if the draw goes the right way you may very well see all four in the All-Ireland semi-finals.Prediction: Donegal
Brendan Devenney (Former Donegal forward)
It's a third final in a row for Armagh and in Jim McGuinness' six years as Donegal manager so far he's been in six Ulster finals. It's a remarkable record.Looking back, who is better this year from last year? From a Donegal perspective the obvious one is Michael Murphy is back in and all that he brings with his experience and game management but, Finbarr Roarty is a massive plus as an attacking corner-back.The big worry for Donegal is whether or not Caolan McGonagle has recovered from injury. He's an absolutely pivotal player at number six.For Armagh and when you look at it, Barry McCambridge wasn't involved in last year's Ulster final and neither was Niall Grimley.When it went down the stretch against Tyrone, Armagh looked very comfortable and very well coached.The form of Ethan Rafferty as a fly-keeper has been unreal and just how much he comes out into the field against Donegal remains to be seen and how much pressure can they put on Sean Patton's kickouts when he does come up?A fascinating final is in store. I think they have both improved and it could come down to extra-time and who knows? Maybe penalties again.Donegal will take it with Jamie Brennan coming off the bench to kick the winner.Prediction: Donegal
Oisin McConville (All-Ireland winner with Armagh)
It's the game of the year for me and it's been the one I've been looking forward to from when the draw was made and I thought that Donegal and Armagh would be in an Ulster final.Obviously it's a repeat of last year and to be plain and simple, the teams don't like each other. It's bordering on what Tyrone and Armagh were like in the noughties, there's no love lost there at all.Does that make any difference? Well it adds a bit of spice to it and there will be ferocity in every single tackle and it's one that is going to be packed out, the atmosphere is going to be electric, and I think everyone just cannot wait for it.As far as the game itself, I think Donegal played in second or third gear the last day out and Armagh were probably put to the pin of their collar by Tyrone and still had the presence of mind to win that game.The ultimate for Armagh would be to win this game on penalties and that would put a lot of ghosts to rest as far as the Ulster Championship and penalty shootouts and everything else.Prediction: Armagh
Owen Mulligan (Three-time All-Ireland winner with Tyrone)
I'm really looking forward to the Ulster Final.It's two very similar teams with two very similar styles but, I'm going to have to sit on the fence for this one and go for a draw so extra time and penalties!Prediction: Draw after extra-time, penalties to decide
Conor McManus (Former Monaghan captain)
There doesn't seem to be a weakness in either team. Whatever way you look at it, it's hard to see it not going the distance.From having watched the semi-finals, some would claim Armagh are in better form, but an Ulster final is never that simple. Predictions aren't simple either, but I do think it will be a draw. The past three Ulster finals have all needed extra-time and I'm expecting the same on Saturday. Beyond that, penalty shootouts are a lottery, although Armagh haven't had much luck over the past few years. If Armagh don't get a few players back from injury, it may just about tip the scales in Donegal's favour, but I can definitely see it going the distance.Prediction: Draw after extra-time, penalties to decide