All-Ireland SFC: Donegal request for Sunday quarter-final turned down

Donegal have said that it is “most regrettable” and “very disappointing” that their request to play their All-Ireland quarter-final against Monaghan on Sunday was denied.

Jim McGuinness’ side face Monaghan on Saturday in the first of the double-header of last eight ties at Croke Park that day with throw-in set for 16:00 BST before Tyrone face Dublin in the later game.

Meath take on Galway whilst holders Armagh face Kerry on Sunday at the same venue.

This is despite Donegal requesting a Sunday fixture to have an extra day’s recovery as the last eight tie will be a ninth Championship match in the space of 12 weeks for the county.

It is schedule that McGuinness admitted after their preliminary quarter-final win against Louth on Sunday, was “gruelling”.

In a statement from the county board, Donegal were critical of the decision to deny their request.

“No other county has played as many matches as Donegal in this year’s Championship. To compound the physical and mental demands, those eight games have been played within an 11-week window,” the statement said.

“Match number nine comes this Saturday less than 12 weeks after playing Derry in the Ulster Championship preliminary round on 6 April.

“On that basis, we thought it wholly reasonable and full justified to seek an extra day recovery time for our players this weekend,” the statement continued.

“Donegal concludes that it is most regrettable and very disappointing that our request has been turned down. We feel the welfare of our players was not adequately considered in the decision-making process.”