All you need to know about the Ulster SFC final
Michael Murphy and Rory Grugan are expected to play key roles for Donegal and Armagh in Saturday's decider
- Published
And just like that, we have arrived at another Ulster final.
This year's Ulster series has produced some tight and compelling games, but Armagh and Donegal being the last two counties standing comes as no great shock.
It is, after all, a repeat of last year's decider, won by Donegal in a penalty shootout at the end of an enthralling afternoon in Clones.
For Donegal, a 12th Ulster crown - which would draw the county level with Down - is up for grabs. Of course, Jim McGuinness led Donegal to back-to-back Ulster titles before their 2012 All-Ireland triumph.
Given the return of Michael Murphy and the county's serious designs on lifting Sam this year, McGuinness is hoping another provincial repeat provides the ideal platform for his players this summer.
For Armagh, it is a third Ulster final appearance in a row. Kieran McGeeney's side still carry the scars of penalty shootout losses in 2023 and 2024, but they are the All-Ireland champions and will feel as confident as ever about finally ending their quest for a first Ulster title since 2008.
The past three Ulster finals have needed extra-time and this weekend's showpiece promises to be another close-run affair.
Here is all you need to know about the 2025 Ulster final.
- Published28 April
Why is it being played on Saturday?
This year's Ulster final is being played on Saturday as part of a double-header with the Ulster Ladies final between Armagh and Donegal.
The Ladies game will throw in at 15:00 BST before the men's final at 17:25.
There had been speculation that the double-header would take place at Croke Park but Ulster GAA confirmed Clones as the venue shortly after Donegal beat Down in the second men's semi-final.
Can there be a replay?
No. It is winner on the day so extra-time and penalties are possible.
McGuinness prepared for massive challenge ahead
BBC coverage details
BBC Sport NI will have you fully covered across all platforms on Saturday.
The TV coverage begins on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer at 16:55 BST, with Sarah Mulkerrins joined by two-time Ulster Championship winners Chrissy McKaigue and Conor McManus in studio.
Eight-time All-Ireland winner Philly McMahon joins Thomas Niblock on commentary while Mark Sidebottom will provide pitchside reports alongside Tyrone's three-time All-Ireland winner Owen Mulligan and former Donegal star Brendan Devenney.
You can also watch the programme live on the BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website.
The Ladies final will be live on the iPlayer and website from 14:55.
The BBC Sport website will be your hub for all of our coverage though. Our live page will have live text updates, in-play clips, analysis, reaction and highlights.
Team news - Turbitt starts for Armagh
McGeeney makes one change to his Armagh team as All-Star forward Conor Turbitt is reinstated to the line-up. Peter McGrane shifts to corner-back with Tomas McCormack dropping to the bench.
Jim McGuinness has named an unchanged Donegal starting line-up for the provincial decider although centre half-back Caolan McGonagle and corner-back Mark Curran have been included in the substitutes after missing recent games because of injury.
Turbitt was named to start against Tyrone in the semi-final after returning from injury, but was replaced by Oisin O'Neill before throw-in.
Captain Aidan Forker also dropped out of the line-up prior to facing Tyrone. He is named on the bench for Saturday's final. Ben Crealey, a last-minute replacement for Connaire Mackin against the Red Hands, is retained in midfield.
Donegal: Shaun Patton; Finbarr Roarty, Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogan; Ryan McHugh, Stephen McMenamin, Ciaran Moore; Ciaran Thompson, Michael Langan; Daire O Baoill, Conor O'Donnell, Shane O'Donnell; Patrick McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Oisin Gallen.
Subs: Gavin Mulreany, Mark Curran, Odhran McFadden Ferry, Odhran Doherty, Aaron Doherty, Eoin McHugh, Jason McGee, Jamie Brennan, Hugh McFadden, Niall O'Donnell, Caolan McGonagle.
Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; Paddy Burns, Barry McCambridge, Peter McGrane; Ross McQuillan, Greg McCabe, Jarly Og Burns; Callum O'Neill, Ben Crealey; Darragh McMullan, Rory Grugan, Oisin Conaty; Conor Turbitt, Andrew Murnin, Oisin O'Neill.
Subs: Blaine Hughes, Aidan Forker (capt), Tomas McCormack, Connaire Mackin, Jason Duffy, Niall Grimley, Shane McPartlan, Cian McConville, Tiernan Kelly, Stefan Campbell, Jemar Hall.
Who is the referee?
Kildare official Brendan Cawley will be the man in charge on Saturday.
Weather forecast
The latest BBC weather forecast says to expect sun and light winds in Clones on Saturday
How Armagh and Donegal reached the final
What lies ahead?
The Ulster champions will drop into Group One in the All-Ireland series alongside Mayo, Tyrone and Cavan.
The losing team on Saturday will face the daunting prospect of the 'Group of Death', which contains Galway, Dublin and Derry.
Armagh and Donegal's first round-robin games will take place on the weekend of 24-25 May.
What else is happening this weekend?
Louth take on Meath in Sunday's Leinster SFC final (16:15 BST). It is the first Leinster decider without Dublin since 2010. Meath stunned the Dubs in the semi-finals to set up a final with the Wee County.
It is also the opening round of this year's Tailteann Cup. Antrim and Fermanagh are both in action on Sunday: Antrim face Westmeath at 14:00 before the Ernemen take on Carlow at 16:15.
As mentioned earlier, the Ulster Ladies Football final precedes the men's decider with Armagh and Donegal again set to lock horns at 15:00. Last year, Armagh beat Donegal after extra-time to reclaim the title after Donegal's win in 2023.
Elsewhere, Antrim and Derry meet in the Ulster Senior Camogie final on Sunday. Throw-in is at 14:00 in Dunloy.