Following Wednesday night’s victory over Red Hughs 1-14 to 0-10 , at Pairc na nDunaibh in their re-arranged fixture , Downings move into the top five in the table and are now looking good for a quarter-final spot.
They could make it with what they have now but can make certain with a win or draw away to Naomh Brid on Saturday evening.
By Charlie Collins
Buncrana, Dungloe and Termon are already assured of last eight spots , and Naomh Columba with four points and a +17 scoring difference going into their final game at home to Buncrana should be ok even if they lose that one by a small margin.
Likewise Downings on four points and a scoring difference of +13 should be ok, plus they will be expected to win in Ballintra.
The battle for the other three top eight spots available is an interesting one.
Naomh Mhuire have three points but face a tough local derby away to Dungloe , a win or draw with get them through for certain, but the three points they have could be enough. That’s because the four teams currently immediately below them , all on two points, play one another in their final games.
Gaeil Fhanada and Red Hughs host Burt and Convoy respectively and the winners of those games will move onto four points and into the top eight places , and that would also secure Naomh Mhuire’s top eight spot.
However, if Naomh Mhuire ( currently on -8 points difference), were to lose by four points are more in Dungloe and Gaeil Fhanada ( -7) and Burt ( -11) were to draw their game, both would go ahead of them, Gaeil Fhanada have already drawn two of their three games to date. Add to that a winner from the Red Hughs v Convoy game and Naomh Mhuire would miss out on scoring difference.
In summary it would seem safe to say that five teams, Buncrana, Dungloe , Termon, Naomh Columba and Downings are through to the Quarter-Finals.
The final three places are between five others , Naomh Mhuire, Fanad Gaels, Burt , Red Hughs and Convoy. Much to play for on Saturday evening. All games throw-in at 7-00pm.
