THIS WEEKEND sees the club football championship continue in Donegal with Four Masters going into this round of fixtures at the top of the league phase.
However, there is still plenty of football to be played out in Tír Chonnaill and this weekend’s third round of fixtures will further shape how this championship will go.
St Eunan’s V Gaoth Dobhair
This is the stand-out tie between two teams with real ambitions.
Eunan’s had a good win over Naomh Conaill last week where Shane O’Donnell excelled while Gaoth Dobhair were never really extended against Glenfin.
Eunan’s have an exciting new forward in Pauric Boyle and the ex-Clontibret player looks a real find up front.
Daire O’Baoill, Domhnall Mac Giolla Bride and Ethan Harkin are all key figures for the Gaeltacht men.
But it looks like home advantage could swing it for Eunan’s today.
Four Masters V Glenswilly
A game that has the makings of a cracker between two in-from sides.
Youthful Four Masters had a big away win over Downnings while Glenswilly were pushed all the way by Cloughaneely last time out.
Michael Murphy, Jack Gallagher and Gary McFadden are huge players for the Glen while Seanan Carr, Callum McCrea and Richard O’Rourke are top performers for the home side.
A hard one to call but Murphy might well be the difference today.
Glenfin V Kilcar
Pointless Glenfin badly need some points as they entertain Kilcar in Pairc Taobhoige.
Glenfin had an easy win when these sides last met in the League.
But Kilcar, who beat St Naul’s last week have been strengthened by the return of Patrick McBrearty, Ciaran McGinley, Conor Doherty and possibly Ryan McHugh who has been on honeymoon.
Shaun Ward, Luke McGlynn and Odhran McGlynn are quality players for the home sie-but it looks like an improving Kilcar will prevail today.
Sean MacCumhaill’s V Naomh Conaill
A most interesting clash between a rising Twin Towns side and a Glenties team who were well beaten at home by an impressive St Eunan’s.
MacCumhaill’s were minus Oisin Gallen and Joel Bradley Walsh in their win over Killybegs but will need both if they are to prevail against Naomh Conaill who were without a few regulars last week.
Ethan O’Donnell is back from his travels for Naomh Conaill while Odhran Doherty and Ciaran Thompson are important figures for Glenties whose stung pride could be the basis for victory today.
St Naul’s V Killybegs
Both sides are pointless so both will have loads of motivation in the Gerard Gallagher Memorial Park.
St Naul’s fell to Kilcar away while Killybges put up a big fight against Glenswilly but still lost out.
St Naul’s badly miss Brendan McCole, Stuarty Johnston and Thomas White while their derby neighbours have the vocal Hugh McFadden, Eoghan Ban Gallagher and Jack McSharry to call on.
Naul’s will put in a huge effort to get points at home but It looks like a Killybegs victory tomorrow.
Cloughaneely V Downings
Two more sides who are pointless with everything to play for at Pairc Naomh Fionan.
Cloughaneeely gave Glenswily a very good test away last week while Downings were well beaten by a rejuvenated Four Masters at home.
Shaun Maguire and Darren McGeever are driving the Gaeltacht men while Johnny McGroddy and Paddy McElwee are class finishers for Maxi Curran’s men.
It could be a draw or more likely a narrow win for the home side tomorrow.
St Michael’s V Dungloe
A cracking contest in prospect here between two unbeaten Gaeltacht sides at the Bridge.
St Michael’s had a big away win over Ardara while Dungloe got the better of Aodh Ruadh, also at home.
Colin McFadden, Carlos O’Reilly and the languid Michael Langan power St Michael’s while Mark, Barry and Darren Curran power Dungloe.
A very hard one to call, but the home side might just prevail tomorrow.
Aodh Ruadh V Ardara
Pointless Ardara are coming to Ballyshannon in need of two points so it could be a real battle in Fr Tierney Park.
Aodh Ruadh lost to Dungloe away in a well-contested affair last weekend while Ardara fell at home to St Michael’s.
Paddy McGrath, C J Molloy and Paul Walsh inspire Ardsra while Aodh Ruadh will be hoping that key defender Eamon McGrath recovers from injury while David Dolan is also shaping up well.
It could be a narrow home victory tomorrow.
