Fanad United can turn screw on Kilmacrennan Celtic

Fanad United boss Arthur Lynch says there is still a long way to go in the Donegal League Premier Division title race.

Despite only making the jump back to the top tier last term, Fanad are currently joint top with Kilmacrennan Celtic. Crucially through, the Traigh-a-Loch men have two games in hand on their title rivals.

Fanad go to fourth placed Rathmullan Celtic on Sunday and Lynch insists that his side aren’t even thinking about about any of the above. With six games in total still to play and with 18 points up for grabs, he says it’s far too soon to start looking at any of that.

However, with Kilamcrennan not in action this weekend, a win would push Fanad to the summit of things. Kilmacrennan still have to visit Fanad in the last game of the season so if both sides keep winning we could be in for a winner take all encounter on the final day.

“We’re really enjoying the season,” said Lynch. “This thing will go right to the wire. You can’t look past any side in this league. We haven’t had one easy outing this year. Everyone wants to be sitting top of the league.

“If the chance is there to do that you want to take it. But in terms of the bigger or overall picture, it’ll count for very little at the weekend. We’re pretty familiar with Rathmullan at this stage.

“We’ve crossed paths with them on numerous occasions in the last few years. In none of those games has there been more than a kick of a ball in it”.

Fanad withdrew from the Ulster Senior League back in 2020. Despite being the most successful club in the competition’s history with 14 league titles, fortunes plummeted.

But having worked their way up through the Donegal League tiers, and while Lynch might not admit it, you can be sure they’ll be targeting going all the way this term.

“We can’t ask for any more from the players. They are hard working and there is some really good quality there. It’s a pleasure to work with them. All they can do is give it their all. Whatever way it goes, if that is the attitude you can’t be too disappointed.

“We can only look at ourselves. There is a really good vibe about the place right now. We are working closely with Mulroy Academy. Our committee are putting in serious work. On and off the pitch things are really looking up.

“Our floodlights are back in operation. We’d love to have a second team or Saturday team in the league. We want to provide football for all the young lads in the area”.