Here's the Donegal Democrat Team of the Senior Championship 2026

Team of the Championship

1 ​Stephen McGrath (Naomh Conaill): One of the most consistent ‘keepers in the county, he also is now the longest serving, having played his 128th championship game in the final on Sunday last, a remarkable record. Went about his business throughout the year in a no-nonsense way; never in the limelight but is now a most important cog for Naomh Conaill despite the disappointment on Sunday.

2 Finnbarr Roarty (Naomh Conaill): Roarty couldn’t sign off on a winning note with Naomh Conaill but what a player. It’s going to be fascinating to see how the Glenties lad fares with Collingwood in the AFL. He flies out to Oz this morning to hook up with his new club and teammates ahead of pre-season in Oz.

3 Gary McFadden (Gaoth Dobhair): McFadden was again one of the best spoilers in the championship and was usually the man assigned to shackle the opposition’s danger man. Was to the fore as Odhran Mac Niallais’ side went all the way to the last four, where they were a matter of inches, late on, from dumping eventual winners St Eunan’s out of the running.

4 Caolan Ward (St Eunan’s): Now approaching the veteran stage, the former Donegal defender is still one of the most important cogs in the St Eunan’s team. His experience built up over the years was vital alongside two relatively new corner-backs this year and they gave the champions a good platform for success.

5 ​Ryan McHugh (Kilcar): Although his club bowed out at the quarter-final stage to Naomh Conaill in Ballyshannon, Ryan McHugh had a most consistent season for Kilcar, not alone in defence but also in attack. His displays against Four Masters and Naomh Conaill were worthy of inclusion in any team of the championship.

6 Conor O’Donnell Snr (St Eunan’s): The heartbeat and standard setter for the new SFC champions, O’Donnell was his usual no-nonsense self throughout a SFC campaign where it took St Eunan’s a little while to find their stride. But they found top gear when it really mattered in last Sunday’s final win over Naomh Conaill.

7 Sean Martin (MacCumhaills): Could well be the ultimate benefactor in Finnbarr Roarty’s move Down Under to the AFL. Martin has a serious engine and seemed to really come of age for MacCumhaills in this year’s SFC.

8 Kealan Dunleavy (Glenswilly): Dunleavy, a little like Dowling, was one of the real influencers in terms of midfield operators. His ability to spring and fetch, and get up and down the field, made Glenswilly such a formidable proposition in that crucial mid-sector.

9 Eoin Dowling (St Eunan’s): Dowling really put Naomh Conaill under huge pressure in the final as he caught clean ball and broke plenty as St Eunan’s turned the screw around the middle. He is really mobile and those athletic attributes might well have pricked the attention of Jim McGuinness.

10 Ciaran Moore (St Eunan's): Had to contend with injury niggles throughout but when St Eunan’s really needed their attacking dynamo, in both the semi-finals and final, the flame-haired flier stepped up to the plate in spectacular fashion. Was so instrumental down the stretch in turning the tide against Naomh Conaill in the final.

11 Shane O’Donnell (St Eunan’s): O’Donnell is just a joy to watch. As well as helping himself to 0-17 in this year’s SFC, he really made things tick for the Black and Amber on that periphery of the final third. Had a serious duel with Finnbarr Roarty in the final.

12 Odhran Doherty (N Conaill): Doherty was just superb for Naomh Conaill, especially in their semi-final win over Glenswilly. Posted 0-10 in the championship and showed the kind of consistency that might yet see Jim McGuinness look to coax him back into the Donegal senior squad.

13 Shea Malone (N Conaill): Malone has moved through the gears this season and has really evolved as a Gaelic footballer who was, remember, playing a little bit of catch-up after four years involved with Sligo Rovers. As well as posting 3-24 overall, he also liked to drop deep, get on the ball and look to make things happen.

14 Michael Murphy (Glenswilly): Murphy finished as the SFC’s top scorer with 2-42 to his name. His performance in his side’s narrow semi-final loss to Naomh Conaill was, perhaps, the championship’s standout individual showing. Now, we just wait and hope that he commits to one more season with Donegal.

15 Paddy McElwee (Na Dunaibh): McElwee was in irresistible form for Na Dunaibh up top, delivering a number of superb individual scoring performances. And even though his side exited at the preliminary round quarter-final, McElwee still finished the championship with a whopping 0-42 to his name. That’s a serious tally that put him second on the final top-scorer chart behind Murphy.