Mac's View: Back to bread and butter of club championship this weekend

We are still coming to terms with the Donegal defeat in the All-Ireland final but then a week can make a huge difference. In the end it was disappointing that we didn’t make a better battle of the final but Kerry were just awesome.

It was a pity because there was such a great buzz about the county but then again we did make the All-Ireland final and we should not forget that. There was a big buy-in by supporters and maybe we got caught up in that. We lost in the final 10 minutes to Tyrone and only beat Mayo with a point after the hooter. Our run-in after that was against teams that were not of the top order and that may have been a factor. Kerry were playing the tougher teams at the right time.

We have to learn lessons and maybe having an outside backroom member up in the stands could help going forward. But all of these things are learning experiences. Jim McGuinness has brought us right up there to the top table. There are a lot of smart people out there with criticism that is not constructive.

But we are back  to porridge this weekend with the club championships at all grades. That will help us to get back to terra firma. Jim and his people can get a good look throughout the county for new talent. Donegal is a big country but it has always produced good footballers. We have to get the best into the coaching system. There should be a good handful from that U-20 team of 2025 and it will be no harm bringing them in.

I’m hearing that Michael Murphy will stay on and that would be great for the county. He was picked on the Team of the Year and rightly so. He could have been our man of the match in every game he played. He was up and down the pitch and could have saved himself, but that’s the way he played. He is totally unselfish. A lot of players of that standing would be Me Feiners but not Murphy; he brings players into the game.

There will be plenty of opportunity for the management to look at the championship games now for the next four or five weeks and hopefully a few new players like Finnbarr Roarty will be unearthed.

Taking a look at the senior championship contests, the opening game in Magheragallon between Gaoth Dobhair and Glenfin should be a home win. Glenfin will always put it up to teams but I can’t see anything other than a win for Gaoth Dobhair.

The Killybegs-Termon game could be very close. Killybegs have not been setting the world on fire but with the two county men back they will be more competitive. Still Termon are going really well, winning the Division 1 League and could sneak it.

Four Masters and St Naul’s should be a good local derby and with the three county men back, St Naul’s will be a little more confident. Still Four Masters are the up and coming side and may just shade it.

Naomh Conaill go to Glenswilly on Saturday evening and I’m hearing that Michael Murphy may not be back from holidays. Ciaran Thompson could be a doubt also for Glenties after picking up an injury in the All-Ireland final. Glenswilly is a tough place to go but Glenties may have just enough experience.

On Sunday the big game is in O’Donnell Park with St Eunan’s taking on Kilcar. There has to be a doubt over Ryan McHugh after he was in a sling after the All-Ireland final. His brother Mark is a really good club player and they have Patrick McBrearty. But overall St Eunan’s may have too much firepower.

Ardara v Aodh Ruadh: I saw Ardara recently against Bundoran and at home they may have too much for Ballyshannon.

St Michael’s entertain MacCumhaill’s at the Bridge and I expect the home side with Michael Langan on board to be too good.

The last game sees Na Dúnaibh host Dungloe. Downings is also a tough place to get a result but Dungloe have been on an upward curve, getting promoted this year after reaching the senior final last year and they should be just about good enough.

.In the Intermediate Championship Bundoran have Naomh Padraig, Muff here in Bundoran and will be without Cian McEniff. Jamie Brennan being available will be significant but Muff have Caolan McColgan. The last time they were up in Bundoran they won.

In the other games you have to fancy Naomh Muire against Na Rossa; Naomh Columba at home to Milford; Red Hughs against Cloughaneely and Burt at home to Gaeil Fhánada while the Malin v Buncrana game could be a draw.

Congratulations to Michael Carr on getting his Ulster medal from 1974. I was glad to hear the story. Michael was a very good footballer. I brought him in as a minor and he went on to have a great county career.

Brian McEniff was in conversation with Peter Campbell