Our panel have put their heads together and come up with this week’s Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub SFC Team of the Week.
Sean MacCumhaills have four players on this week’s team with Gaoth Dobhair having three. There are two representatives each from Naomh Conaill, Termon and Glenswilly. There is one member from Kilcar and Dungloe.
Michael Boyle (Termon)
In for his first championship appearance of the year, Michael Boyle’s presence between the sticks helped Termon to a relegation play-off win over derby rivals Milford. Boyle’s kick-outs were a big factor while he denied Luke Barrett a certain goal late in the game.
Gary McFadden (Gaoth Dobhair)
The most obvious thing about Gaoth Dobhair on Sunday was the devastating attack, but Gary McFadden was again one of their standout performers. McFadden was given the job of marking Bundoran’s main threat, Jamie Brennan. McFadden kept Brennan scoreless over the hour and it was another excellent outing.
Jason Campbell (Naomh Conaill)
At a critical juncture of the game against Kilcar in Donegal Town, Jason Campbell got up to kick one of the points that helped Naomhj Conaill lead 0-5 to 0-3. Combined that with a sound defensive display as the Glenties men knocked out the champions.
Conor Griffin (Sean MacCumhaills)
One of the unsung heroes for Sean MacCumhaills in their big win over St Michael’s on Saturday. MacCumhaills needed to be solid defensively to even stand a chance. And they were rocked when full-back Martin Gallagher – who’d got up to net a goal – was forced off injured, but with Griffin in form, they didn’t buckle.
Luke Gavigan (Sean MacCumhaills)
One of the emerging players with a lead role, Luke Gavigan had his best performance of the year on Saturday. Got on a lot of ball and scored a point as they beat St Michael’s.
Dáire Ó Baoill (Gaoth Dobhair)
It says much about Dáire Ó Baoill’s display that he was one of the best players on show when Gaoth Dobhair ran in eight goals and 13 points in their big win over Bundoran. Ó Baoill netted two of the Gaoth Dobhair goals and seems to be at the hub of everything.
Caolan Kelly (Glenswilly)
Caolan Kelly has been one of Glenswilly’s most consistent players in recent years. And on a night when they didn’t hit high notes against Four Masters, he gave another assured display. Has been one of the leading lights this summer for the Glen.
Padhraic Patton (Sean MacCumhaills)
Up against Michael Langan of St Michael’s, Padhraic Patton put in a monster hour for Sean MacCumhaills on Saturday. Was a close contender for man of the match. Langan scored once from play, but his influence on the game was curbed by Patton, whose performance was disciplined and highly effective and efficient.
Neil Gallagher (Glenswilly)
Neil Gallagher remains the heartbeat for Glenswilly. That much was evident on Saturday night as he rolled the years back in drenching conditions. Glenswilly might have been below bar, but Gallagher’s towering display ensured they had no trouble in seeing off Four Masters.
Matthew McClean (Kilcar)
Kilcar bowed out of the Donegal SFC race on Sunday, losing out to Naomh Conaill, but it wasn’t for the want of endeavour from Matthew McClean. Again in the absence of some more stellar names, McClean led the fight for Kilcar and his three points kept their hopes alive until the closing stages.
Shaun Sharkey (Dungloe)
Dungloe picked the perfect time to find their mojo. The Rosses men overcame Burt in a relegation play-off on Sunday to preserve their senior championship status. It was thanks in no small part to Shaun Sharkey. He hit four points and was in inspired form for his men.
Naoise Ó Baoill (Gaoth Dobhair)
The lightening quick Naoise Ó Baoill is a defender’s nightmare. Ó Baoill hit 1-1 for Gaoth Dobhair and was in outstanding form against Bundoran. Proves a real handful for anyone and everyone these days.
Daire McDaid (Termon)
When Termon needed scores, Daire McDaid was the go-to man. Helped himself to 1-6 in the play-off victory over Milford. Also helped to set up the opening goal for Christy Connaghan with a surging 60-metre dash.
Kieran Gallagher (Naomh Conaill)
Alternated between midfield and full-forward, Gallagher proved a real handful for Kilcar and was Naomh Conaill’s man of the match. His late goal might have had a stroke of good fortune about it, but there was no denying Gallagher’s effect on the game.
Oisin Gallen (Sean MacCumhaills)
Had a huge game for MacCumhaills, kicking six points in the win over St Michael’s. The Donegal U20 forward had a big effect outside of his scores. HIs vision and passing were real highlights of a game that once more marked him out as a top prospect.
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