All-County League: Here’s the ups and downs from the 2017 campaign

The All-County Football Leagues are winding down to a close with the only question remaining now over who wins the Division 3 title, which remains up for grabs between Naomh Muire and St Naul’s.

DIVISION 1

Kilcar won their first ever Championship and League double in 2017, the Towney men clinching the clean sweep thanks to a 1-14 to 0-1 win over Dungloe at Rosses Park yesterday. Ryan McHugh’s goal late in the game was a footnote in the tale with Kilcar having long since paved the way.

Kilcar lost only two games and their win in Dungloe saw them pip St Eunan’s to the silverware while Kilcar’s reserves also won the League title.

At the other end, Four Masters’ fate had been sealed for quite some time.

The Donegal town men were yesterday joined in making the drop by south Donegal neighbours Bundoran.

Despite a madcap 6-16 to 1-10 win over Naomh Conaill in Glenties, Bundoran were relegated with Milford, the recently-crowned Intermediate champions, defeating Gaoth Dobhair 4-12 to 2-9.

DIVISION 2

Aodh Ruadh were on the way back to Division 1 from a good bit out, although they ended up only winning the Division 2 crown with a point to spare on Cloughaneely, who join them in returning to the top flight.

Aodh Ruadh lost in Cloughaneely yesterday, but it will hardly have mattered to the Ballyshannon men, who had already sealed a place in Division 1.

Division 2 was as tight as ever with only three points separating Glenfin, who finished in fourth, with second-from-bottom Buncrana.

The likes of Glenfin, Naomh Columba, Termon, Malin and Sean MacCumhaills managed to do enough to survive, with Buncrana going to Division 3. Buncrana’s relegated was sealed with a 2-16 to 3-10 loss in Glenfin.

Killybegs also drop down a Division, the Fishermen now set to play Senior Championship from Division 3, as will Burt, in 2018.

DIVISION 3

A ferocious battle in Division 3 sees Naomh Muire and St Naul’s promoted to Division 2.

All that remains to be sorted is in what order, with St Naul’s having one remaining game – to be played on November 5 – against Red Hughs. Win that and St Naul’s will overtake Naomh Muire and go up as the champions.

Downings and Letterkenny Gaels are off the other way, dropping to Division 4 for 2018.

DIVISION 4

It was some season for St Mary’s, Convoy, who managed to get the better of Na Rossa and Naomh Colmcill in what became a three-way fight for the Division 4 crown.

The Convoy men lost just once all season and were deserving victors.

Na Rossa edged out Naomh Colmcille in the battle for the second promotion spot. Naomh Colmcille did win the Junior Championship but it will be a source of irritation for Ryan McKinley and his men that they let a promotion chance slip from their grasp.

DIVISION 5

One of the stories of the Donegal GAA season ought to be that of Pettigo.

Often the whipping boys of late, Pettigo were toasting success in Division 5 this year, getting their hands on some silverware at senior level at last.

Their 3-9 to 1-10 win over Naomh Columba at Pairc na nGael earlier this month was met with great scenes of joy as they claimed the title by beating their nearest rivals.