WITH four sides from the All-County Football League Division 1 hemmed into Group 2 of the RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta SFC, there’s more than one thing that has to give.
Seeing as it was Dungloe and Ardara who lost their opening fixtures – respectively 2-14 to 1-8 to Naomh Conaill and 2-11 to 0-7 when St Eunan’s came to town – there’s not much wriggle-room for those at Rosses Park this afternoon (throw-in 3pm).
Both had confidence boosting wins in the league last weekend. While Ardara overcame Four Masters 1-9 to 0-5 on Sunday, Tony Boyle was content with what his Dungloe side produced in their 1-8 to 0-8 victory over Naomh Conaill.
“The performance itself was very pleasing and the fact we got the two points was a bonus,” he said. “In our previous outing, we lost 1-11 to 0-6 at St Eunan’s in what was a very poor performance so it was nice to get back on track. Against Naomh Conaill we finished with nine under-21s on the pitch.”
That loss at O’Donnell Park is Dungloe’s only reversal in their last four. This season, they’ve already beaten Ardara twice – 1-6 to 0-6 at home in June and 1-10 to 0-8 at Pearse Park earlier that same month.
“We said at the start of the season, with us where we are at, it was more important to stay in Division 1 as it’s a good breeding ground. But the championship match for us is a game where there’s a lot at stake.”
Last weekend, Adam Neely was in splendid form for Boyle’s team, while David McCarron and the Redmonds – Eoin and Martin – showed why there’s reasons for optimism. And although Adrian Hanlon is now in London, Adrian Sweeney is still around to add experience with his brother Raymond.
Gavin Ward, Dungloe’s full-back, is on honeymoon, while Shaun Sharkey and Doalty Boyle had pre-arranged holidays. On the plus side, Corey Gallagher is in with a chance of playing following a hamstring injury and Mark Sweeney is back from a break.
Last year, Ardara ran Naomh Conaill close for a semi-final spot, eventually losing out on a Wednesday night replay in Ballybofey. Like Dungloe they’re in the bottom half of Division 1 but have managed to get over those two losses to their rivals.
They’ve struggled with injuries but things are moving in the right direction. Manager John McConnell is hoping Paddy McGrath’s calf strain will not prohibit his chances, while Kenneth Doherty is a concern with a hamstring. Otherwise, it’s as close to a fully fit panel as McConnell has had all year.
“It’s a must-win game for both ourselves and Dungloe,” he said. “The winner will have the opportunity of going into the final weekend of fixtures with a chance of progression. It’s winners take all in that respect.
“We’ve lost to Dungloe twice in the league and that would give them the favourites’ tag but it’s a game we will both relish.”
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