'Unforgettable feeling' as McGranaghan picks up first senior title with Glenfin

For many of the Glenfin team, Saturday’s win of the Donna Boyle Dunnion Memorial Cup was just another to add to the collection, but for Abbie McGranaghan, it was a first senior championship medal.

McGranaghan, who was part of the Donegal minor ladies' side that won the All-Ireland Minor C title in 2023, represented her home club of Robert Emmets last year.

She was part of the Castlefinn-based side that won the Division 3 final league that season, but as they didn’t field a team this year, she was able to move to represent Glenfin.

“In 2023, I came up to play Under-21s with the club and got permission to play for the senior campaign also, but unfortunately, Termon got the better of us that year.

“I was back playing with Robert Emmets again last year, but this year I got the transfer through again for the full year.

“My mum is from Glenfin, so it’s lovely to be able to represent them and we’re happy out with the win.

“I’m just so, so delighted to be back with the girls and competing at the top level again, so it’s brilliant.”

The 2-8 to 0-5 win over Termon was a big statement as they stopped the Burn Road ladies from winning four Donegal titles in a row.

And while they won the Division 1 title against the same opposition in July, winning a championship medal was a different feeling.

“It’s hard to put into words, we’ve worked so, so hard all year round, and it’s all for that to finally get our hands on the trophy after the weeks and months of grinding, so we’re just happy.

“It’s incredible to get the title, to have this feeling is just something you never want to forget.

Glenfin led by five at the break but playing into a strong wind, they had to battle to hold that lead, and when Yvonne Bonner got her second goal of the game, they were well on their way to a first title since 2021.

READ NEXT: Naomh Columba end famine to defeat Malin and win Intermediate title

“It was like running against a wall or being on the treadmill, it was really tough in that second half against the wind, but you just have to dog it out and thankfully, we came out on the right side of it today.

“Yvonne’s goals were super, but the work rate from all of the girls was super throughout the pitch, and the way we moved to transition that ball up the pitch was incredible.”