Dungloe will look to their inspirational skipper Noel McBride on Saturday when they clash with Termon in the Donegal SFC. Pic courtesy of jmac.ie
While the excitement of Donegal’s epic run to the All-Ireland final had the county captivated all summer, it’s back to the bread and butter this weekend with the start of the Donegal SFC.
What better way to get over the hangover of last Sunday’s heart-breaking defeat, by enjoying a whole host of top class championship encounters over the weekend.
Donegal Daily will be previewing every single Donegal SFC fixture this weekend, and we’ll start by looking at the meeting of Dungloe and Termon.
Both sides have had contrasting fortunes this season, Dungloe have had a remarkable campaign.
They romped to the Division Two league title to cement their return to top-flight football next season.
What was truly impressive by Tony Boyle’s side was the fact they remained unbeaten all year in the division.
In what is a competitive and difficult division, the fact they remained unbeaten for the league’s entirety shows the quality and resilience in the Dungloe squad.
Tony Boyle and his management side have bloodied plenty of youth this season and that augurs well for the future.
They still have plenty of experience in their ranks too, Raymond and Adrian Sweeney are still a huge influence for Dungloe, while the likes of Shaun Sharkey, Ciaran Sharkey, Noel McBride and Adrian Hanlon have plenty of senior championship experience.
Corey Gallagher was on the fringes of the Donegal Senior panel last season and Termon will need to curb his attacking threat from deep.
Termon have struggled since gaining promotion to Division One this season, and they currently prop up the table.
It looks likely that they’ll be relegated back to Division Two, but Termon have a great championship pedigree and will no doubt raise their game this weekend.
The return of Christy Connaghan has boosted the Termon charge, the former Finn Harps man has been plagued with a succession of knee injuries over the last number of years.
However, since his return Connaghan has looked hugely impressive, he fired Termon to their last county final in 2008 and is an expert from dead balls.
The loss of James Doherty is a blow for Darren Gibson’s side, the influential half-back has emigrated to Dubai and will their entire championship campaign.
Dungloe have huge momentum and home advantage, and while it certainly won’t be easy for the Rosses men, Dungloe should have enough to get over the line.
VERDICT – DUNGLOE
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