Glenfin’s Houston on Termon: ‘There’s nothing between us and never has been’

It was in 2010 that the Glenfin and Termon Donegal LGFA Senior Championship final odyssey began and some 12 years on it shows few signs of receding.

The two sides have dominated the scene since - their meeting on Sunday’s decider is the seventh in that timeframe, with Termon winning each of the first four - in 2010, 2014, 2015 and 2019 - and Glenfin’s victories over their rivals coming in each of the last two seasons.

In 2020, in what might be termed the ‘Covid final,’ Yvonne Bonner struck an incredible five first half goals as Glenfin were comfortable 7-7 to 2-10 winners in Ballybofey.

The margins were much thinner last year in Lifford, with Termon leading in injury time - of which they felt there was too much - before Glenfin came through 1-23 to 2-18 in extra-time.

In reality, it was going to be immensely difficult for whoever ended up without the chair when the music stopped, with both having contributed hugely to the dramatic spectacle. So, although three-in-a-row is an aspiration that is certainly ascertainable for Glenfin, there’s always an unpredictability between the two leading teams when the ball is thrown into the air.

Grainne Houston has appeared on Glenfin county-winning teams five times, with the two recent successes coming after the 2-12 to 1-7 defeat of Four Masters in 2012, then back to back wins over Moville in 2017 and 2018.

“It’s Termon again and with the way things are this year, we’ve had the county players back for a longer stint,” Houston said. “That’s good for us but of course it’s good for Termon as well."

The county players were doing their thing on May Bank Holiday, although fringe players like Danielle McGinley and Katie Long were available, as Houston brought an edge of experience and a goal as Glenfin withstood a fierce Termon comeback to win the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta ladies title in Fanad on a 2-12 to 3-5 scoreline.

“In other years the teams would be waiting for the county girls to come back and drive us on but the standard, I think, has improved in recent years,” Houston added. “There are lots of players standing up and nowadays the county players can make you feel that little bit stronger, instead of being totally dependent on them. Like the Comórtas final, we had Danielle and Katie that day, even though they are part of the county panel now, playing brilliantly, as are the girls who are coming through from underage.

“They’re making their own place on the team. We’re lucky enough to have a panel of over 30 and it makes it really competitive. Even when the team is named, you’re looking around and for me, that’s exciting as well as the depth is there to stand-in should anyone pick up a knock."

That victory set up Glenfin to represent the county as they took home the Comórtas national crown following victory over host club, Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir from Galway, in the final.

“The weekend in Galway was class and we really enjoyed it as a panel,” Houston added. “It’s always nice to get away and when you’re doing that and playing games over the weekend, being away as a group is brilliant. We had success there, so we’d love to add to that in the county final.”

The swings and roundabouts nature of the local duopoly means that sustained control is never apparent for a concerted period of time, with Termon winning the LGFA Division 1 final between the pair in July. And although Glenfin weren’t at full pelt that day in terms of personnel, the fact last year’s championship win was perhaps controversial and definitely close, each and every altercation takes on a life of its own.

“Last year there was nothing in it and we’d not want a repeat performance of that, as we want to step it up and make sure of the win,” Houston added. “There’s nothing between us and never has been. They’ve players we have to have to focus on and it’s the same the other way for them. It might just come down to another battle.”