Mac's View: We are still glowing in aftermath of Mayo All-Ireland win
It was a big week in Mayo last week as they paraded the Sam Maguire all around the county, rejoicing after a wait of 75 years. It reminded us of what happened here in Donegal in 1992 with huge celebrations.
The All-Ireland series is now over for another year but 2026 will be remembered as one of the greatest championship seasons of all time. I heard a great statistic from Martin Carney during the week that of the 10 cups that are available to be won in a football season - the four provincial championships, four National Leagues, Tailteann Cup and Sam Maguire - there were 10 different winners. I wonder if that happened before.
Last weekend we had the Ladies finals and I felt sorry for Fermanagh, who lost out heavily to Roscommon in the intermediate final. It was interesting to see that Saoirse Wynne was named player of the match. Saoirse is daughter of Gary Wynne, who was Roscommon captain when Donegal defeated them in All-Ireland U-21 final in 1982.
The other games, the junior and senior were very close affairs with Antrim just pipping Carlow in the junior.
The senior game between Kerry and Galway was another close affair with Galway holding on by a point in an exciting finish with a Kerry free ending up in the Galway net but it was disallowed for a square ball.
The senior final was a cat and mouse affair and resembled the men’s game of a few years ago. It was low scoring also and maybe there is a need to implement a few more of the changes made to the men’s game in the last two seasons.
Here in Donegal it is club championship time with contests on all fronts beginning this Saturday at senior, intermediate and junior levels.
There are a lot of young footballers away in the States at the moment and they are unlikely to be back for this weekend but will probably be available for two or three of the group games.
You would expect that all the big teams will make it through to the knockout stage with holders Naomh Conaill the team to beat once more. You would also expect that youthful Four Masters and St Eunan’s will also be among the favourites.
Taking a quick look at the weekend games, here are my predictions:
Gaoth Dobhair v St Michael’s: I would think that back in Magheragallon Gaoth Dobhair will prevail. They have to pull themselves together after relegation. They have had a bad year, with the All-Ireland Gaeltacht the exception. St Michael’s will have Michael Langan and he could be a big factor. Gaoth Dobhair are missing Odhrán Mac Niallais this year.
St Eunan’s v Aodh Ruadh: It’s hard to see anything but a St Eunan’s win. They are always there or thereabouts and have a new manager in Fermanagh man Kieran Donnelly. It could be a big year for them.
Naomh Conaill v Na Dúnaibh: Naomh Conaill at home, even though they are short because of injuries and players in the US, have to be fancied. It will be interesting to see how Meath star Cian McBride gets on with Na Dúnaibh.
Glenswilly v Termon: I would imagine Michael Murphy will be a factor. Should be a tasty local derby but I give the nod to Glenswilly.
Dungloe v MacCumhaill’s: I was disappointed with Dungloe progress from a few years ago. But at home I give them the nod. MacCumhaill’s are useful when they get things together. It would be nice to see Oisin Gallen at full throttle.
Glenfin v Naomh Columba: Glenfin are always difficult to beat at home and you have Naomh Columba, up from Intermediate and going really well. I think this could be a draw.
Ardara v Kilcar: I’m hearing Patrick McBrearty might not play this year. Would still fancy Kilcar to come through but Ardara will be targeting this game for points.
Four Masters v Killybegs: With players in the US for Four Masters this game is probably more even as a result. Killybegs will be hoping their two county players Hugh McFadden and Eoghan Bán Gallagher make a difference but even without players in the US, Four Masters should have enough.
In the Intermediate Championship my own club are at home to Naomh Padraig, Muff and even though they are not going well I give them a tentative vote.
I also expect Naomh Muire to be too strong for Milford in The Banks; Carndonagh v Buncrana could be a cracker and I give the home side the nod.
In the three other games I fancy Gaeil Fhánada, St Naul’s and Malin with home advantage to account for Burt, Red Hugh’s and Cloughaneely.
With games also in the Junior Championship, it is a great weekend to look forward to and I expect that a number of games will be streamed, although it is disappointing that this is not more widely publicised.
Brian McEniff was in conversation with Peter Campbell