THE GROUP state of the Donegal Senior Football Championship drew to a close at the weekend – and here’s our top performers.
Darragh McLaughlin (Malin)
THE Malin goalkeeper made a couple of crucial saves at critical times in their win over Gaoth Dobhair. Overall, his handling was impeccable and his re-starts were a big feature of the game.
Cormac Callaghan (Glenswilly)
A TENACIOUS display from Callaghan helped Glenswilly to get over the line against Sean MacCumhaills on Sunday night. Callaghan drove forward when the opportunity arose and gave a solid display.
Conor Parke (St Eunan’s)
PARKE got forward to kick a point as St Eunan’s defeated Dungloe on Saturday evening. Has added an attacking threat to his game and he was an obvious standout as the champions returned to winning ways.
Dylan Kennedy (Four Masters)
KENNEDY hit a goal and a point as the Donegal town side defeated Cloughaneely to move into the last eight. With several big players having departed the Tir Chonaill Park outfit, they need players like Kennedy to step up. He showed his worth on Sunday.
Stephen McLaughlin (Malin)
THE placing of McLaughlin, who was on the 2014 Donegal panel, at wing-back was a big factor in Malin’s shocking of Gaoth Dobhair. He defended well, but it was his attacking threat that secured his spot here as his considerable pace terrorised Gaoth Dobhair.
Declan Walsh (Malin)
HE was the outstanding player in Magheragallon on Sunday evening. He created the two second half goals for Dan McDaid and Christy McLaughlin with superb surges forward and his overall display was immense.
Darragh Mulgrew (St Eunan’s)
MULGREW hit the point of the game as St Eunan’s overcame Dungloe. St Eunan’s big plus was their running game and Mulgrew was central to that with his bursts from deep.
Hugh McFadden (Killybegs)
BATTLED all through the game for Killybegs and his goal at the end of the game at The Banks typified his display. His team struggled, but it wasn’t for the lack of effort from the county man.
Odhrán MacNiallais (Gaoth Dobhair)
FOR the second week in a row, MacNiallais makes it here. His team might have been insipid, but Mac Niallais was inspirational. Liam Bradley, the Malin manager, remarked that he was unmarkable and his nine points were the hallmark of a player in majestic form.
Brian Farrelly (Glenswilly)
FARRELLY shone on an evening when Glenswilly were pushed all the way by MacCumhaills. Was a constant threat in the Glenswilly attack.
Stephen McBrearty (Kilcar)
HIT 1-4 as Kilcar overcame Termon. What summarised him was that moment when he won a kick-out and drove forward for a goal. Won the next kick-out and set-up Conor Doherty for Kilcar’s third goal.
Dan McDaid (Malin)
HIT the first two goals as Malin stunned Gaoth Dobhair. They were expertly converted and he put in a magnificent shift.
Brian Lafferty (Sean MacCumhaills) Pictured above courtesy of Chris Doherty
PALMED home an early goal as MacCumhaills dared to dream in Glenswilly. Added two wonderful scores as the Twin Towns side asked serious questions at Pairc Naomh Columba.
Colm McFadden (St Michael’s)
BUT for McFadden, St Michael’s wouldn’t have won at Glenfin. Beat Andrew Walsh for a superb first-half goal and he added three points. McFadden’s accuracy steered St Michael’s over the line.
Sean ‘Yank’ Boyle (Naomh Muire)
HE was the most effective performer at The Banks as Naomh Muire recorded a historic first senior championship win. He was the main reason for the afternoon of history, although it was a bittersweet day as they missed out on advancement on points difference.
