By Michael McMullan

DONEGAL will be hoping to bounce back from defeat to Down when they welcome Kerry to O’Donnell Park on Sunday.

With two teams relegated from Division Two, Mickey McCann’s side join Ulster neighbours Derry and Tyrone in the battle to avoid the drop.

Ten points from Gerard Gilmore wasn’t enough for Donegal to cause an upset against a Down team on home soil in Ballycran.

Ronan Beatty hit the net twice as Ronan Sheehan’s men maintained their winning start to 2025.

Donegal have improved every year under manager McCann but they’ll face another tough test against the Kingdom.

They’ll have to learn the lessons of Derry. A series of turnovers in the middle third and the Oakleafers were hit for goals at the other end in Tralee.

With goalkeeper Luke White playing well, Donegal finished their last quarter strongly against Down and they’ll need more of the same this weekend.

The final game of the group against Derry could end up being a shootout to see who stays afloat, but there is much water to pass under the bridge beforehand.

Christopher McDermott, Jack O’Loughlin and Cormac Finn are important in Donegal’s defence with Brian MacIntyre needing to exert his influence in the middle third.

Up front, Donegal will look for Sean McVeigh, Liam McKinney, Danny Cullen and Conor Gartland to challenge Kerry.

They’ve also Josh McGee Cronolly in the attacking mix who is well able to ask questions.

Another factor is home advantage as Donegal hoping the familiar surroundings of O’Donnell Park can be a helping hand.

After their many successes at Nickey Rackard level, life in Division Two is the level of progress but it brings challenges. If Donegal can get something out of Sunday, they’ll fancy their chances of staying up.