They just can’t seem to avoid each other these days: Glenswilly and Kilcar, the 2016 finalists, have been paired together again in the draw for the 2017 Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure Donegal SFC.
The draw was made today and champions Glenswilly were pulled out by their midfielder Neil Gallagher – who helped conduct the draw with CCC Chairman Frankie Doherty.
Gallagher blew out his cheeks and the groans from the big Glenswilly contingent told the story.
Kilcar again. Gaoth Dobhair again. And Ardara again for Glenswilly.
Group C comprises Kilcar, Gaoth Dobhair, Ardara and the champions, Glenswilly.
All four are under new management this year and it is certainly the standout group.
“We’re well used to these teams now in the Championship,” Gallagher said.
“We’re familiar with them all anyway. It’s exciting now. At least now we have something to prepare for.”
Another rivalry is renewed in Group B as St Euan’s and Naomh Conaill, another two of the heavyweights, are paired in Group D.
Burt, the 2016 Intermediate champions, are back in the Senior Championship again and are in Group B with Killybegs, Termon and Naomh Muire.
Malin were beaten semi-finalists last year and are in Group A alongside Bundoran, Sean MacCumhaills and St Michael’s.
Milford lost out to Burt in the IFC final last year and will play in the Intermediate Championship this year out of Division 1 in the League. Milford and Aodh Ruadh are joined in Group B of the IFC by Naomh Ultan and Carndonagh while Glenfin, newly demoted to the Intermediate grade, and Downings, who won the Junior title last year, and are in the same group.
Naomh Colmcille were Intermediate finalists in 2015, but were relegated to the Junior Championship for 2017 and there are, as usual, derby tussles aplenty in the Junior Championship
SENIOR A & B CHAMPIONSHIPS
Group A: Bundoran, Malin, Sean MacCumhaills, St Michael’s
Group B: Burt, Killybegs, Termon, Naomh Muire
Group C: Kilcar, Gaoth Dobhair, Glenswilly, Ardara
Group D: Four Masters, St Eunan’s, Dungloe, Naomh Conaill
INTERMEDIATE A & B CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Group A: Cloughaneely, Gaeil Fhánada, Naomh Columba, Naomh Brid
Group B: Naomh Ultan, Carndonagh, Milford, Aodh Ruadh
Group C: Buncrana, Downings, Glenfin, St Naul’s
JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP:
Group A: Urris, Naomh Padraig Muff, Robert Emmets, Red Hughs, Moville,
Group B: Naomh Colmcille, Letterkenny Gaels, Na Rossa, Convoy, Lifford
JUNIOR B CHAMPIONSHIP
Group A: Urris, Pettigo, Naomh Padraig Muff, Letterkenny Gaels
Group B: Red Hughs, Naomh Colmcille,Moville
SENIOR C CHAMPIONSHIP
Group A: Sean MacCumhaills, Glenfin, Glenswilly, St Eunan’s.
Group B: Naomh Columba, Ardara, Naomh Conaill
