OPINION: Red Hands to grab Ulster crown again

Michael Hannon
Football analyst

Around this time of year I try and second guess every game in the Ulster Championship and predict a winner of the entire competition. It is, of course, a ridiculous exercise, but a fun one nonetheless.

Take Monaghan for example - if Conor McManus gets injured in next week’s first round of club championships you’d find it difficult to back them to reach a final, despite their recent good form against Donegal in both league and championship.

As for Donegal, Michael Murphy is still relied upon to produce individual pieces of magic and, were he to get sent off in the first round, you would struggle to see the 2012 All-Ireland champions reach the final this year.

So it’s a perilous exercise but if you’re fond of a flutter you might take note of the following before heading down to the bookies.

I reckon the Ulster final will be between Donegal and Tyrone. 

A resurgent Tyrone will look to rule once again. Having struggled to defeat Donegal since McGuinness and Gallagher took over the reins in 2011, the time is right for Mickey Harte to finally get one over their rivals. It will be intense and breathtaking stuff, with Tyrone just about getting over the line.

* Michael Hannon predicted every match in the Ulster Championship correctly in 2015. For his full Ulster SFC preview for this year, see tomorrow's paper.