Donegal have not been in a final since 2014 when their bid for a third title fell short against Kerry who have suffered more final heartache than joy since, losing finals in 2015, 2019 and 2023, but they did scale the mountain in 2022 to secure a 38th success.

Donegal were gasping for air in the face of the early Kerry onslaught. They trailed by nine points entering the second quarter but stirred themselves to show signs of life. Michael Murphy atoned for knocking a straightforward free against the upright by hitting two points, while Oisin Gallen and Conor O’Donnell also showed up in the scoring sense.

Jim McGuinness’s Ulster champions hope to bring Sam back to the hills for the first time in 13 years as Kerry look to end the season on the perfect note