Magic number 50 for Ciarán Thompson with first Donegal goal on half century cap

Ciarán Thompson’s magic number on Sunday was 50 as he celebrated a milestone appearance in style.

The Naomh Conaill man made his 50th Donegal championship cap against Louth in MacCumhaill Park, which was, incredibly 50th consecutive cap for Donegal, since making his debut against Dublin in 2016 in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Donegal GAA statistician Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir tells us.

He has never looked back since that game and is on a remarkable run to have played in every championship game since, under the management of Rory Gallagher, Declan Bonner, Paddy Carr and Jim McGuinness.

And he topped off the milestone appearance in a great way, as he caught Oisin Gallen’s pass and beat his marker before firing low into the bottom right corner of the net.

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It was a first championship goal for Donegal for Thompson and the game was just into the 50th minute of the game as the green flag was raised.

He’ll be in line to make a 51st appearance on Saturday, but Jim McGuinness was keen to sing his praises after the 16 point win over the Wee County.

“Tomo offers us so much and he's so consistent and so honest and so brave and punches way above his weight in the skies to be honest with you, with a lot bigger fellas out there. 

“But delighted to see him get a goal as well because that's the first goal he's ever scored in championship football, so it's a good day all round for Ciarán.”