By Michael McMullan

DONEGAL hurlers won two of the last five Nickey Rackard titles and were narrowly beaten in another final.

It’s been a story of consistent progress under manager Mickey McCann that takes them into the third tier of hurling this weekend.

They lost to Derry in last year’s league and drew with Tyrone before going under to the Red Hands in their semi-final rematch but had enough on the board to make the promotion cut.

The NHL restructure leaves them beginning 2025 with a trip to recent Christy Ring Cup winners Meath on Saturday.

They’ll conclude their campaign at home to neighbours Derry but Mickey McCann’s side will be hurling up a level.

The progress of Setanta on the Ulster scene points to more progress and the county minor team made great strides last season.

McCann remains at the helm after overseeing a fruitful spell for the county with the wee ball.

They’ll have to do without the goal threat of Buncrana’s Oisin Grant who has moved to Australia. McCann has praised the young players coming into the fold in recent seasons.

Richie Ryan had made a return but will now miss the season with injury while Stephen Gillespie has stepped away for personal reasons.

Christopher McDermott and Michael Donoghue are back on board to add to what they have.

Scoring goalkeeper Luke White will be an important player once again. Ryan Hilferty and Steven McBride are among the key cogs in defence.

Gerard Gilmore – with 1-48 in the league last season – has carried much of the scoring burden. His absence – along with Declan Coulter and Danny Cullen – was a hole in their semi-final hopes against Tyrone.

McCann will be hoping players like Josh McGee Cronolly, Brian MacIntyre and Liam McKinney can all chip in on a regular basis. He’ll look for Sean McVeigh to bring leadership to match his hurling.

After an opening win over eventual Christy Ring winners Kildare in their opening league game last season, Meath lost all their remaining games in Division 2A.

It was a season where they failed to build on their own gains in previous years. They’ll be keen to get points on the board at home. It’s a difficult opening for Donegal.