GAA: Former Donegal star John Gildea has given us his predictions ahead of the last round of group games of the Donegal SFC this weekend.
Gildea, had a decorated 14-year career with Donegal, and inspired Naomh Conaill to their first ever Donegal SFC title in 2005.
Naomh Conaill were rank outsiders in 2005, but they defeated Donegal kingpins St Eunan’s after a replay to bring the coveted Dr Maguire to Glenties.
Fast forward ten years, and Naomh Conaill are reigning Donegal SFC holders after again defeating St Eunan’s in the decider last October.
Ahead of the third & final round of the group games this weekend, Gildea gives us his predictions.
Group A
Bundoran Vs Glenswilly
This is an interesting group with all 4 teams having everything to play for going into the last round of games. This in the not too distant past would have been a banker for the Glen men but given their recent form and the fact that Bundoran after their successes of last year makes this a difficult one to call. With the game being in Bundoran, this gives them an advantage but Glenswilly’s greater senior experience might just get them over the line. Glenswilly by the odd score
Verdict: Glenswilly
Dungloe Vs Ardara
Donegal U21 player Adam Neely will be hoping to fire Dungloe into the quater finals this weekend with a win over Ardara.
The other winner takes all game in this group, again equally difficult to call given the uneven nature of of each teams form. Your really could toss a coin in this one (like the Bundoran v Glenswilly fixture). Dungloe are always hard to beat at home and this trend may continue this week. Tentative nod towards the Rosses’s men but don’t be surprised if all these results are turned on their heads.
Verdict: Dungloe
Group B
Unfortunately from a Killybegs point of view, they landed in the worst possible group in this years Championship and despite some good performances, they have come up short against St Michael’s and St Eunan’s. I don’t expect this trend to change this weekend as the inform Kilcar side continue on their way towards the quarter finals. They were very impressive the last day out and have put down a strong marker that they are the team to watch this year. The Kilcar v Killybegs games on the 90s were epic but I don’t see this one turning into a classic.
Verdict: Kilcar
One of the many do or die matches this weekend but its even more interesting given that both of these teams would have fancied their chances in this years championship. St Michael’s being beaten by Kilcar in Towney wouldn’t be seen as a shock but it was the nature of the loss and by how much that shocked most people. It will be hard to shake that off in 7 days and with St Eunan’s having a comfortable win over Killybegs, St Eunan’s will start as slight favorites. Home advantage will help St Michael’s however St Eunan’s greater ability to deliver under pressure may get them across the line in a hotly contested match.
Verdict: St. Eunans
Group C
This will be a difficult trip for the men from the banks, The Ballybofey men have been going well this year and had a very strong showing the last day out. Naomh Mhuire will feel aggrieved by some of the refereeing decisions against Malin the last day out and will bring that with them this weekend. That being said, MacCumhaill’s should have too much and win by a few scores.
Verdict: MacCumhaill’s
Going to Malin is difficult enough but going their without your All Star makes it that bit more difficult. Malin have great Championship pedigree and given that Glenfin have nothing to gain but pride, Malin should win and go through to the quarter finals.
Verdict: Malin
Group D
Termon star Daire McDaid will need to be in top form this weekend at the Burn Road
Termon caused the shock of the Championship so far this year by comfortably beating the much fancied Gaoth Dobhair side. This is a fantastic opportunity for Termon to go into the quarter finals yet again. Four Masters met a rampant Glenties side last weekend and suffered a heavy defeat. Given that its a home game for Termon and they are in buoyant mood after the result last weekend, they should sneak across the line.
Verdict: Termon
Verdict: Naomh Conaill
As last weeks results have proven, the championship is unpredictable and don’t be surprised if I’m not completely wrong again!!
Tags: