GAA: Former Donegal star John Gildea has given us his predictions ahead of the resumption of the Donegal SFC this weekend.
Gildea, had a decorated 14-year career with Donegal, and inspired Naomh Conaill to their first ever Donegal SFC title in 2005.
Naomh Conaill were rank outsiders in 2005, but they defeated Donegal kingpins St Eunan’s after a replay to bring the coveted Dr Maguire to Glenties.
Fast forward ten years, and Naomh Conaill are reigning Donegal SFC holders after again defeating St Eunan’s in the decider last October.
Ahead of the second round of the group games this weekend, Gildea gives us his predictions.
Kilcar V St Michael’s:
This game is without doubt the biggest down for decision this weekend. Kilcar and St Michael’s are two teams that have genuine ambitions of winning the Donegal SFC title.
Under Martin McHugh this term, they’ve been going really well in the league, and they should’ve beaten St Eunan’s in O’Donnell Park in the drawn match.
They’ve been knocking on the door for a while, but they haven’t made the breakthrough yet, but I think this year is the season they’ll do it.
St Michael’s are a top side, full of quality and experience, they lost a final in 2011, and have lost a couple of semi-finals.
Some think they’re running out of time, but I wouldn’t be of that opinion, I think they’ll benefit hugely now that Colm has left the county set-up.
They’ve got a really good side, and Declan Bonner is down there too, so they’ll be well prepared, but I just think Towney is such a difficult place to go, and with the likes of Patrick McBrearty, Ryan McHugh and Eoin McHugh in their side, I think Kilcar will edge it narrowly.
Verdict: Kilcar
Killybegs V St Eunan’s
I know it’s a cliché used about a lot of teams, but Killybegs really are a championship team, they reached finals in 2010 and 2013 despite going very poorly in the league those seasons.
They were wrote off, but they reached both finals against all odds, and they are a team you’re always wary of playing against in the championship.
They have great pedigree, and you never get anything easy against Killybegs, especially when playing them on their home patch.
Hugh McFadden and Eoghan ‘Ban’ Gallagher are key players for them, and even though they’ve been decimated by emigration, they’ve got a good young side.
St Eunan’s obviously need a win after drawing in their opening game against Kilcar in May, so the pressure is all on them.
They’re hot favourites – and that will suit Killybegs, I think they’ll make it really difficult for David McGinley’s side.
However, I do think St Eunan’s will win it, but they won’t have it all their own way.
Verdict: St Eunan’s
Glenswilly V Dungloe:
Glenswilly are really struggling this season, and obviously losing Michael Murphy last weekend was another hammer blow for them.
With Neil Gallagher already out, they really needed Michael to drive them on – and having him back in the team would’ve given them a huge lift.
But obviously he has hurt his knee, and hopefully it’s not too serious, Glenswilly still have quality, and this is a team that has won two Donegal SFC titles. in recent tears
They’re at home, and are always hard to beat, but Dungloe have won four on the bounce in the league, and have a pep in their step.
They can call on my old sparring partner Adrian Sweeney to come on off the bench, and he’s still a class act, and that can turn a game.
Again I expect another close one, but I’m tipping Dungloe to get the win.
Verdict: Dungloe
Bundoran V Ardara:
This is a hard one to call, they’re both struggling for form, although Ardara did get a huge win against Termon last weekend, and that was timely with championship around the corner.
Bundoran have home advantage and they know nothing else other than a win will keep their hopes of progression alive.
With Jamie Brennan and Shane McGowan in their side they have the quality to hurt Ardara, but much like Killybegs, Ardara are a different animal when it comes to the championship.
Ardara got a good win at home to Glenswilly in the opening round of the Donegal SFC, and they know a win will see them through to the last eight.
I’m favouring my neighbours in this one, but again I expect a close clash.
Verdict: Ardara
Naomh Muire V Malin:
Naomh Muire are struggling really badly in the league, but they got a good win over Glenfin in May, and kept their hopes of avoiding the drop alive last weekend with a brilliant win over Four Masters.
Eamon O’Boyle is well versed in championship football, from his successful time as manager of St Eunan’s, so he knows what it’s all about.
It’s a long journey for Malin down to The Banks, and it’s a difficult venue to play at, especially if it’s a bad day!
Both teams won their opening game, so it’s well balanced, but I think Malin just have that extra quality in their squad, and I think they’ll get the result they need to advance to the knockout stages.
Verdict: Malin
Mac Cumhaills V Glenfin:
This is a really tough game to call, it’s a local derby and that takes significance in its own right, but add in the fact it’s also a championship game then it’s going to be a war.
Both sides need a win or there out, there’s no room for error. I don’t expect it to be a pretty game at all, it will be a very physical encounter.
It’s going to be very close, and I can’t see either team getting a gallop up on one another, but I’m just edging towards a Mac Cumhaills win.
I think they’ve got a little bit more firepower in the forward line, and that might get them over the line.
Verdict: Mac Cumhaills:
Four Masters V Naomh Conaill:
I’m a bit biased here obviously, but I think Naomh Conaill will have too much for Four Masters this weekend.
They’ve got a serious squad of players to choose from, and they’ve been going really well in the league again this year.
They beat Termon comfortably last time out, and I expect them to win well again in Donegal Town.
Four Maters have lost a lot of players to emigration and retirement, and the players that are gone from the squad are not easily replaced.
I think they’ll be competitive for large parts of the game, but I expect Naomh Conaill to power on in the final quarter.
Verdict: Naomh Conaill:
Termon V Gaoth Dobhair:
It’s only two years ago that Termon stunned Gaoth Dobhair and knocked them out of the Donegal SFC.
They gave Glenties a big fright in last year’s quarter-final, so they certainly have the pedigree to cause an upset, and won’t be fazed by the challenge.
However, I’ve been very impressed with Gaoth Dobhair all season, and when you look at their squad they really have a fantastic team.
They’ve got a large number of players representing the county at Minor, U21 and Senior level, and they looked well placed to mount a serious challenge for the title this year.
It might be a year to early for them, but they’re my dark horses for the championship. It’ll be a tight game, but I fancy a Gaoth Dobhair win.
Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair
