Gaoth Dobhair v St Eunan’s (Saturday, Páirc Seán Mac Cumhaill, 7.30pm)
IN the eyes of many, this is effectively a county final – with no disrespect intended to either St Michael’s or Dungloe, who meet in the other semi-final on Sunday.
In view of their narrow win over reigning champions, Naomh Conaill, the Letterkenny lads have been installed as favourites.
But they have found that to be a pretty dangerous mantle to wear in the past two years as Glenties took back-to-back titles.
Eunan’s have not won a title since 2021 and will be very keen to add another one to their tally. They have power and experience in every line.
Eamon Doherty, Caolan Ward, Conor Morrison and Conor O’Donnell snr are the most seasoned of defenders, while Ciaran Moore has been the find of the year.
Up front, they have arguably the best set of scoring forwards in the county.
Brothers Niall and Shane O’Donnell have had a great inter-county season with Donegal and have transferred that rich vein of form on to the club scene.
Recent Monaghan acquisition Pauric Boyle, Eoin McGeehin and Conor O’Donnell jnr are all proven score-getters. Goalkeeper Shaun Patton, meanwhile, provides booming accurate kick-outs which can be akin to a 16th man.
Opponents Gaoth Dobhair have not won a county title since 2018 when they went on to win an historic Ulster Club title.
It has been one of the big mysteries in Donegal club football that they have not been able to build on that success with a relatively young team.
Yet icons like Kevin Cassidy, Neil McGee, Eamon McGee, Odhran Mac Niallias and Peter McGee have all moved on, as have Cian Mulligan and Naoise Ó Baoill, leaving boss Ronan Mac Niallais with a pretty young side, backboned by their highly successful U21 teams.
County panellist Domhnall Mac Giolla Bríde has emerged as a real leader, while Daire Ó Baoill, Eamon Collum, Ethan Harkin, Nessan Mac Giolla Bríde and Niall Friel are all leaders in their pack.
Gaoth Dobhair got over youthful Four Masters in a tense tussle to book their semi-final slot.They will not lack confidence and are a group of players who are well used to winning.
Mystery, however, surrounds the availability of returned county ace Odhran McFadden-Ferry. He would certainly strengthen their defence.
This could be a very close run thing, but it looks like St Eunan’s have the firepower to get through.
St Michael’s v Dungloe (Sunday, Páirc Seán Mac Cumhaill, 3.30pm)
THIS semi-final pairing has caught the imagination of the county after both sides pulled off major upsets to reach this stage of the competition.
St Michael’s served up a truly magnificent comeback where they trailed Kilcar by a whopping seven points, but rallied to win by a point in a great second half in Glenties.
The winning point in their 2-8 to 0-13 victory was a contender score of the year.
They also managed it minus their talisman Michael Langan, who is currently travelling and it remains unclear when he will be back.
Opponents Dungloe shocked favourites Glenswilly on an identical scoreline of 2-8 to 0-13 and were well worth their victory.
Michael’s are a strong, experienced physical side with powerful figures in Colin and Anton McFadden, Martin McElhinney, marksman Daniel McLaughlin, and Michael McGinley, who kicked that epic last winning point.
That win over Kilcar will have been a huge confidence booster for the Creeslough/Dunfanaghy men.
They will be going into this all- Gaeltacht clash as slight favourites. But that will suit Dungloe as they have been written off all year and they do have a strong physical side who have been impressive in the championship so far.
The last time they were in a county semi-final was in 2009 so this is a big occasion for Dessie Gallagher’s men.
Dessie’s son Daire was in top form against Glenswilly. But they also have the formidable Curran clan and Conor Greeen to boost their chances.
Oisin Bonner and Ryan Connors are also prominent figures in a team that is very solid in all departments.
Speculation has been swirling about Langan’s availability.
Irrespective of his presence or not, this St Michael’s side has an impressive look.
Dungloe will be happy going in as underdogs and will be very well prepared for a major battle. They have bulked up considerably in the past few years and have been growing together into a force to be reckoned with.
Dungloe are capable of springing another shock, but it looks like St Michael’s will prevail – especially if Langan is back on board.
