From the standout performers in the eight Donegal SFC games played at the weekend, our team have selected this weekend’s Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub SFC Team of the Week.
There are four players from St Michael’s to make the cut, with three from Kilcar and two from Ardara.
There is one player each from Gaoth Dobhair, Four Masters, Bundora, Naomh Conaill, Sean MacCumhaills and Killybegs.
1. Mark Anthony McGinley (St Michael’s)
McGinley kept a clean sheet, earning it with an excellent late save from Daire McDaid. McGinley’s kick-outs – helped by a towering Michael Langan display – were a real platform for St Michael’s.
2. Pauric Carr (Kilcar)
Carr was key as Kilcar managed to squeeze past Killybegs in Fintra on Sunday. Killybegs had the champions rattled for spells, but Kilcar survived. Carr was central to that and made a brilliant block to deny John Ban Gallagher a 20th minute goal.
3. Stephen Doak (St Michael’s)
St Michael’s had a big win over Termon at The Burn Road on Saturday and it was a night when they curbed Termon’s threat. Doak was commanding at full-back for St Michael’s. Drove out in possession a number of times and was solid on the edge of the square.
4. Odhrán McFadden-Ferry (Gaoth Dobhair)
Tasked with shackling St Eunan’s danger man Niall O’Donnell, McFadden-Ferry was flawless in O’Donnell Park. McFadden-Ferry kept O’Donnell scoreless from play as Gaoth Dobhair defeat St Eunan’s.
5. Karl Lacey (Four Masters)
The sight of former Footballer of the Year Lacey togging out again of late has been massive for Four Masters followers. And the four-time All-Star helped point the way in a win over Malin. Lacey arched over three points, including one sumptuous effort off his left foot. Class is permanent.
6. Mark McHugh (Kilcar)
When the waters got choppy for Kilcar, Mark McHugh stepped back into the centre-back breach and led the way for his men. McHugh’s experience was vital for Barry Doherty’s team, as they got off to a winning start.
7. Andrew McClean (Kilcar)
Kilcar might have been missing the firepower of Patrick McBrearty and Ryan McHugh, but Andrew McClean top-scored as they defeated Killybegs. McClean netted a goal early on and added three points. Kilcar’s Man of the Match, McClean clipped the last point of the game to cap a fine hour.
8. Michael Langan (St Michael’s)
The Donegal midfielder was excellent for St Michael’s in their win over Termon. Langan scored six points, but there was so much more to admire about a dominant centrefield display. Langan’s aerial prowess really drove St Michael’s to the win.
9. Conor Classon (Ardara)
The one-time Donegal panellist bagged a decisive late goal for Ardara as they defeated Glenswilly. Classon bundled home in added-on time at the end of the game. Classon had a fine game for Ardara in the engine room.
10. Gary Clancy (Bundoran)
Not for the first time, Clancy was one of Bundoran’s leading lights. The Stars of the Sea defeated Burt at Gaelic Park. Clancy scored 1-2, including a late penalty, but had a superb display on top of his scores.
11. Martin McElhinney (St Michael’s)
He had an injury-hit season with Donegal – but Martin McElhinney showed how vital he will be for St Michael’s in the Championship. The powerful McElhinney gave St Michael’s real drive and purpose going forward. Scored 1-4.
12. Ciaran Thompson (Naomh Conaill)
Dungloe offered little resistance to Naomh Conaill on Saturday evening, but there was still plenty to admire about Ciaran Thompson’s outing. His seven points were worth the admission alone. Will have a big say in Dr Maguire’s destination.
13. Ryan Cunningham (Killybegs)
That Killybegs remained in touch with Kilcar until the end was down to a number of factors. Chief among them was Cunningham, who stepped up with a top performance. Kicked four wonderful points and helped to keep his side’s hopes up.
14. Oisin Gallen (Sean MacCumhaills)
Donegal U20 forward Gallen hit 1-5 as Sean MacCumhaills beat Milford at Moyle View Park. Gallen scored the first of four MacCumhaills goals midway through the first half when he riffled past Caolan McGettigan, the Milford ‘keeper, from a narrow angle.
15. Gareth Concarr (Ardara)
Gave Ardara the best possible start with a goal after just three minutes against Glenswilly. Concarr ended the afternoon with 1-4 as Ardara caused an upset in beating the Glen men at Pearse Park.
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