Mac's View: Some great games in club championships this weekend

The senior championship has all of the usual suspects already qualified for the quarter-finals or preliminary quarter-finals but clubs will be pushing hard to make the top four or top eight. The top four will get a week off before their quarter-final while the next four will have a home game in the preliminary quarter-finals.

Last weekend there was a great advertisement for the game in Towney when Kilcar took on Four Masters in the re-arranged game which had been postponed due to the tragic death of James and Noreen McHugh.

There was a lot to play for in the game and it was Kilcar who showed great spirit in the second half to come out on top. The win put Kilcar into third place in the table with full points alongside Dungloe and Glenswilly.

Looking at the games this Sunday with all games throwing-in at the same time, there is little to choose from in any of the games.

Kilcar v Naomh Conaill

This is a tight one to call. Naomh Conaill have an awful lot of experience which might bring them through. But looking at what happened in Towney last week, there is great spirit in Kilcar at the moment, but I will go with experience.

Naomh Columba v Ardara.

I would fancy Glen but that will be a great battle. Aaron Doherty will have to step up. The Glen boys have defeated Ardara twice this year but Ardara will not want to lose three times to Glen in the same year. Still I fancy Glen at home.

Killybegs v Gaoth Dobhair.

Big Hughie is carrying Killybegs at the moment. Gaoth Dobhair are not setting the world alight. This will be a tight fight. If Killybegs had Eoghan Ban I would fancy Killybegs; without him I go for Gaoth Dobhair

Aodh Ruadh v Four Masters

This is another local derby. I will give a guarded vote to Four Masters. Aodh Ruadh are in desperate need of something and they had very tough draws but the young Masters team look too strong.

MacCumhaill’s v Glenswilly

If Michael Murphy plays I think it will be Glenswilly. It’s a close game to call and they had a great game last year. Without Murphy it would be MacCumhaill's.

Termon v Dungloe

Dungloe are top of the table and I have to say their consistency is impressive. Termon took a heavy defeat last time out and are better than that, but I give the nod to Dungloe to make the top four.

St Michael’s v St Eunan’s

I think I’ll go with St Michael’s for this one. Eunan’s are not going as well as you would expect but they still have plenty of talent. I feel Michael Langan could be the difference.

Downings v Glenfin

This is really a big relegation battle with the home side in desperate need of a win to get them out of trouble. I give Downings the nod in a tight game.

Intermediate Championship

There are six big games down for decision in the Intermediate championship, also in the final round of games. Bundoran v Cloughaneely: Both sides need to win but at home Cloughaneely may just get the nod

Naomh Muire v St Naul’s: I would still fancy St Naul’s but going to The Banks is not the easiest place to win.

All of the games look 50/50 games but I fancy the home teams to win in the contests - Malin to defeat Candonagh; Naomh Padraig, Muff to account for Buncrana; Milford get the nod of Gaeil Fhánada and Burt over Red Hughs.

LATE ENDA BONNER

I was sad to hear of the death of Enda Bonner last week, someone who has been central to the GAA in Donegal for many years. I remember him coming into the Donegal squad and in 1971 when I was captain, Enda was playing well down in University in Galway and he came into the team.

I remember he was right full-back that day when we went to Newry in 1971 and we were in the game up until the final 10 minutes. I think that might have been his championship debut that day. He had a fine game that day. He had a short intercounty career, but he was heavily involved with the GAA in the county ever since, being auditor of the accounts for many years.

I remember playing against him in the 1970 county final when he was with Rosses Rovers but St Joseph’s had a very good team at that time.

Enda gave a lot to the GAA in Donegal and he was a big Fianna Fail man too and a Senator.

Ar dheis Dé raibh a h-anam.

Finally, this week our thoughts and prayers go to Sean Bonner and the Bonner family. We are all praying that Sean will make a speedy recovery from his illness.

Brian McEniff was in conversation with Peter Campbell