Donegal SFC: Who are the main candidates to dethrone Naomh Conaill?

Naomh Conaill are the holders of the famous trophy after their heroics late on in last year's final to take the game against Gaoth Dobhair to extra-time where they triumphed in one of the best finals in years, 2-18 to 1-19.

It was a typical Naomh Conaill performance, coming from seven down at half-time and it marked an 8th championship medal for four of their panel from 13 finals - Brendan McDyer, Leo McLoone, Anthony Thompson and Eoin Waide - a marvellous achievement.

The Davy Brennan Park residents will be among the favourites once again in 2026 and who would bet against them. In any conversation before the start of the senior championship over the last 20 or more years, Naomh Conaill have been consistently in the frame.

The other so-called big guns include St Eunan's and Gaoth Dobhair, although the Magheragallon residents have had a big dip in form during this year's league, being relegated to Division 2.

The other team that has to be in the conversation is Four Masters, who went so close against Naomh Conaill last year, while Termon must also get a big mention.

As always there will be some surprises during the first four rounds but as always the cream will come to the top.

Looking at the way the draw has panned out it would seem that a few clubs will be battling to avoid relegation rather than looking up the table.

St Eunan's, Naomh Conaill, Gaoth Dobhair, Four Masters, Glenswilly, Dungloe, Glenfin and Ardara are in one half of the draw while Aodh Ruadh, Na Dúnaibh, St Michael's, Termon, MacCumhaill's, Naomh Columba, Kilcar and Killybegs are in the other half.

Spare a thought for Aodh Ruadh and Na Dúnaibh who have got really tough opening games. The Ballyshannon side face St Eunan's away and Naomh Conaill at home while Na Dúnaibh travel to Glenties for their opening game and host Glenswilly in the second round. Both those clubs will be hoping for some better luck when the round 3 and 4 draws are made.

A good few of the clubs will be without a number of their better players for the opening rounds due to being in the US, but it is expected that everyone will be at full strength for the final two rounds.

There are some very important clashes on the opening weekend, not least Gaoth Dobhair hosting St Michael's. Gaoth Dobhair, after winning the All-Ireland Gaeltacht, have lost their way and lost out to St Michael's in the final game of the league. But as we know, championship is different and Gaoth Dobhair will have to find their form and quickly.

One of the other big opening round games will see Glenswilly host Termon and both these sides will feel they can be a factor at the business end.

There is likely to be a bumper crowd in Pearse Park, Ardara as they host Kilcar, who will carry the favourites' tag. There is plenty of history between these teams but it is from the past and Ardara will do well to get a result.

Intermediate champions, Naomh Columba, are on a bit of a high winning Division 2 league but they will be tested in Glenfin while one of the most consistent teams of the past few years, Dungloe will be hoping to start with a home win over the Oisin Gallen powered MacCumhaill's.

When the four rounds of games are complete the real championship will begin and we will expect some great battles. Can some of the Naomh Conaill 8-time medallists create a new record?

Will the young guns of Four Masters make the breakthrough?

Or can St Eunan's show their undoubted worth under new manager Kieran Donnelly?

Those are probably the three big teams on form but it would be nice to see a shock along the way.

DONEGAL SFC FIXTURES

Saturday 8th Aug 2026 - Round 1

Gaoth Dobhair v St Michaels 5 pm

St Eunan's v Aodh Ruadh 5 pm

Naomh Conaill v Na Dunaibh 7.30

Glenswilly v Termon 7.30

Sunday 9th Aug 2026 - Round 1

Dungloe v MacCumhaills 2 pm

Glenfin v Naomh Columba 2 pm

Ardara v Kilcar 4 pm

Four Masters v Killybegs 4 pm

Saturday 15th Aug 2026 - round 2

Killybegs v Dungloe 5 pm

Kilcar v Four Masters 7.30

Aodh Ruadh v Naomh Conaill 7.30

Sunday 16th Aug 2026 - Round 2

Na Dúnaibh v Glenswilly 2 pm

MacCumhaills v St Eunan's 2 pm

Termon v Glenfin 4 pm

St Michaels v Ardara 4 pm