The race for the Dr Maguire Cup is down to two after semi-final wins for Naomh Conaill and Gaoth Dobhair at the weekend and our panel have selected this weekend’s Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Team of the Week.
There are six apiece from the two finalists, while Glenswilly – who ran Naomh Conaill close – have three players in the final selection.
Picture: Odhrán Mac Niallais on the attack for Gaoth Dobhair. Picture by Geraldine Diver
1. Christopher Sweeney (Gaoth Dobhair)
Did his bit as Gaoth Dobhair reached the Donegal SFC final. It was a weekend of few big saves from goalkeepers, but Sweeney was a solid presence for Gaoth Dobhair and his re-starts were a good platform.
2. Gary McFadden (Gaoth Dobhair)
Once again makes the cut here after another fine hour. McFadden curbed MacCumhails danger man Oisin Gallen and held him to just one point from play. McFadden has been in superb form for the Magheragallon side this year.
3. AJ Gallagher (Naomh Conaill)
Trying to shackle Michael Murphy is an onerous task for any defender. It was AJ Gallagher’s brief on Saturday night and the Naomh Conaill man managed to hold Murphy’s influence on proceedings enough to let his side prevail. Also had a big interception as Brian Farrelly eyed up the target.
4. Mark McAteer (Glenswilly)
Coming from deep, McAteer swung over an early point for Glenswilly. Although his team was beaten, McAteer gave another commendable display for the Glenmen.
5. Anthony Thompson (Naomh Conaill)
Saturday was a night when Anthony Thompson’s experience and guile came to the fore for Naomh Conaill. Drove his side on and kicked a monster point, after shaking off several robust Glenswilly challenges, in the second half.
6. Leo McLoone (Naomh Conaill)
Leo McLoone two points and acted as a real lynchpin around the middle third for Naomh Conaill. Might have had a goal with his second point late in the half, after seizing on a wayward pass from Glenswilly. That added to an earlier left-footed effort.
7. Niall Friel (Gaoth Dobhair)
Captain Niall Friel always seems to be an outlet for Gaoth Dobhair. Was heavily involved and kicked a point in the big win over MacCumhaills. A solid outing for Friel, who continues to catch the eye.
8. Ethan O’Donnell (Naomh Conaill)
As Naomh Conaill eked out a narrow win over Glenswilly, Ethan O’Donnell’s display was vital. He scored a key point, but there was so much more to admire about his display. It was one that showed just why they rate him so highly in Glenties.
9. Odhrán Mac Niallais (Gaoth Dobhair)
In a six-minute spell against MacCumhaills, Odhrán Mac Niallais scored four points. They were points off all varieties, even including one off the lesser-used right boot. Mac Niallais was almost effortless, yet his excellence was obvious.
10. Oisin Crawford (Glenswilly)
Although Glenswilly lost out to Naomh Conaill, Oisin Crawford was one of their brighter points. Was again among the ringleaders as Glenswilly came back into the game, though they just couldn’t quite get close enough.
11. Caoimhin Marley (Glenswilly)
Caoimhin Marley was unfortunate to be on the losing side as Glenswilly went down to Naomh Conaill. His two points helped keep Glenswilly in the mix. Saw a lot of the ball and Glenswilly used him time after time.
12. Brendan McDyer (Naomh Conaill)
The contribution of Brendan McDyer to Naomh Conaill’s 1-11 to 0-12 win over Glenswlly cannot be underestimated. It was McDyer who opened up the chance for Dermot Molloy to net the crucial Naomh Conaill goal. McDyer was heavily involved and had his best game for some time.
13. Eamonn Collum (Gaoth Dobhair)
Among the unsung heroes for Gaoth Dobhair has been Eamonn Collum. Scored 1-5 against MacCumhaills and took his goal with all the poise of a seasoned forward. Has a big threat and stepped up with a fine tally in the semi-final.
14. Dermot Molloy (Naomh Conaill)
Although he’s been struggling with an injury of late, Dermot Molloy remains pivotal to the Naomh Conaill cause. When he latched onto Brendan McDyer’s ball over the top on Saturday night, there was only one thing on his mind – goal. Molloy’s emphatic finish past James Gallagher fired Naomh Conaill into a third final in four years.
15. Michael Carroll (Gaoth Dobhair)
In the last quarter of the semi-final, Michael Carroll arrowed over two excellent points, one of them from long range in testing conditions. Had a busy afternoon and will hope to take good form into the final against Naomh Conaill.
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