There's a certain status that comes with being in Division 1.

Although not a fool proof arbiter of the top eight sides in the 32 counties, it is as close as one can get to the elite.

In that case, you would think that relegation would be particularly embarrasing for Donegal seeing as they are reigning All Ireland champions.

But in truth, Jim McGuinness was not taking the league seriously - at least in terms of results.

The Dun na Gall bainisteoir has focused on the provincial and All Ireland Championship since he took over the job in 2011, using it as a springboard to experiment tactically prior to the summer campaign.

Before last season's road to Sam started, Donegal were almost relegated from Division but just survived by a point thanks to a 0-13 to 0-10 win over Armagh on the final day - a result which sent the Orchard County down to the second tier.

With McGuinness barely batting an eyelid at the prospect of demotion, perhaps much shouldn't be read into the results.

But there may still be areas of concern looking ahead to the summer.

Donegal's play has been sloppy during the spring, particularly when it comes to passing out from the back. For a team that built to excecute effective transitions that is worrying.

A certain lethargy or at least a lack of sharpness has been noted by some analysts but the panel did return to training later than some of their rivals so they may be excused in that regard and they will definitely improve with more time on the training field, while key players like Karl Lacey should be back up and running.

However unlike the previous two years, they will need to shake off the cobwebs much quicker than usual.

The rhythm of their passing and some vestige of peak fitness must return by the time they face Division 1 semi-finalists and the biggest threat to their Ulster crown, Tyrone in their first game on May 26th, although they will have home advantage on their side.

Progressing through to the Ulster final will be crucial in the hunt for Sam Maguire as it will save them sapping their energy in the qualifiers - a situation they have avoided in the last two years as they have won the 2011 and 2012 Ulster crowns.

Relegation in itself is not a disaster by any means, but with a mouth-watering tie to come in just 48 days, their current form may see them caught cold by Tyrone (who beat them 1-13 to 0-12 in Omagh last month) , possibly derailing their chances of All Ireland glory. 

 

©INPHO/Presseye/Donna McBride