It was a crunch weekend in the Donegal Senior Football Championship – and we’ve come up with the latest Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub SFC Team of the Week.
There are three players each from Naomh Conaill, St Michael’s and Glenswilly, while St Michael’s and Kilcar have two apiece.
The team is completed by players from Killybegs, Ardara, Bundoran and Termon.
Stephen McGrath (Naomh Conaill)
At a time early in the second half on Sunday when St Eunan’s needed a goal, goalkeeper Stephen McGrath came to Naomh Conaill’s rescue. As Lee McMonagle got on the end of a Ross Wherity pass, the moment was set for Eunan’s, but McGrath denied McMonagle with a brilliant save.
Jason Campbell (Naomh Conaill)
In a frenetic conclusion on Sunday at Davy Brennan Memorial Park, Naomh Conaill’s Jason Campbell stepped up with a heroic block to deny St Eunan’s Ross Wherity, who bore in on goal. Campbell’s block was vital, with Naomh Conaill leading by three at the time.
Eamonn Ward (Glenswilly)
As Glenswilly defeated Burt on Sunday, full-back Eamonn Ward saw a lot of the ball. Hardly took a wrong option all evening. The Clontibret native was excellent for the Glen men and provided the stability for them to advance into the quarter-finals.
Michael Gallagher (St Michael’s)
Lives up to the ‘Rock’ moniker on the big stage. Michael Gallagher has had a brilliant campaign thus far for St Michael’s. Was steady once more in their win over Malin on Saturday.
Andrew McClean (Kilcar)
A real live-wire and an unsung hero for Kilcar. Andrew McClean scored the first and last points for the champions in the five-point win over Sean MacCumhaills on Saturday evening.
Caolan Kelly (Glenswilly)
Although Glenswilly weren’t at full tilt on Sunday, Caolan Kelly kept them in check for long spells. Had a big influence on the game and saw no end of possession. Scored a point and could be happy with his own contribution.
Mark McAteer (Glenswilly)
One of the new faces who has emerged as a front-runner in Glenswilly, Mark McAteer has blended in seamlessly to the team. Scored a brilliant point on Sunday against Burt to put the cherry on a fine performance.
Michael Langan (St Michael’s)
Michael Langan is really evolving into a top player for club and county. Langan has carried the baton for St Michael’s in Group C and helped the Creeslough-Dunfanaghy side to another fine win on Saturday, this time against Malin.
Kieran Gallagher (Naomh Conaill)
The imposing Gallagher had a big hour in the Naomh Conaill engine room as they sent St Eunan’s packing from the Championship. Gallagher took command of things for long spells and it was the big midfielder who set up the only goal of the game for Dermot Molloy.
Matthew McClean (Kilcar)
In the absence of Patrick McBrearty and Ryan McHugh, Kilcar have needed others to step up to the fore. Like his brother, Matthew McClean did exactly that on Saturday night. Hit three points to compliment a fine display in the win against MacCumhaills.
Hugh McFadden (Killybegs)
Hugh McFadden helped to preserve Killybegs’ senior status at the weekend. McFadden was the game’s big performer as Killybegs defeated Milford 1-10 to 0-12 at Moyle View Park.
Lorcan O’Donnell (Ardara)
Lorcan O’Donnell scored 2-2 for Ardara on Sunday. In the space of four minutes, O’Donnell netted twice. His opening goal was worth the admission fee alone. Set free by Gareth Concarr, Mulhern was faced with Ashley Mulhern and usually lifted the ball over the Bundoran goalkeeper.
Daniel McLaughlin (St Michael’s)
Daniel McLaughlin has been recapturing his best form this year. And the 2012 All-Ireland winning Donegal panellist was at it again on Saturday night. Scored two points and was heavily involved as St Michael’s defeated Malin.
Tommy Hourihane (Bundoran)
On Sunday in Ardara, Tommy Hourihane provided one of the Championship’s most dramatic moments. Bundoran were on their way out of the Championship when, in the 66th minute – six minutes into added time – Hourihane pounced for a goal that brought unbridled joy to Bundoran and desolation to Ardara.
Daire McDaid (Termon)
Even though Termon somehow let a 14-point lead slip against Four Masters, Daire McDaid’s class was apparent. The Termon ace hit 2-2 as the Burn Road men took control of a game they ended up blowing.
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