Donegal champions begin their title defence

Senior Championship Group A
Ardara v St Michael’s
Saturday, 7pm

Ardara celebrated a fantastic result when they won the division two title beating Dungloe by 2-22 to 0-12.
They will be boosted by that result, but that doesn’t mean that they are going to beat a strong St Michael’s team. Adrian Brennan’s team is missing Paddy McGrath and CJ Molloy who are two major losses. They have no other returnees, so they are going to get it tight against St Michael’s who finished in mid table in division one.
Verdict: St Michael’s

Senior Championship Group A
Gaoth Dobhair v St Eunan’s
Sunday, 6pm

Gaoth Dobhair return to championship action presumably with a renewed vigour and a hunger to defend their title.
With regards team news, manager Mervyn O’Donnell had nothing major to report beyond the story that James Carroll has gone to Australia. But as he had not been part of the squad for a year, it is not anything that could majorly derail their chances.
Richard Thornton had a few absences to report. Conor Gibbons has gone to Dubai to teach, while Niall Hannigan is studying in Germany. Other than that there are no other absences. He has welcomed Aaron Deeney back to the fold after he spent time in America playing with Donegal Boston. Thornton said he has a very young team.
Verdict: Gaoth Dobhair

Senior Championship Group B
Naomh Conaill Glenties v Killybegs
Sunday, 2pm

Glenties have Martin Regan over them again this year, and he is ably assisted by coach Shay Murrin. They have a full team to work with for this weekend’s championship match, and they also have welcomed Kieran Gallagher back from America in time to take part in this game.
Having finished third in the league, they will feel in a good place to challenge in this year’s championship.
Killybegs ended up second in division two, and will use momentum going into this game.
Verdict: Naomh Conaill

Senior Championship Group B
MacCumhaills v Dungloe
Saturday, 6.30pm

The good news for MacCumhaills boss Bernard McGeehan this week was that he had no injuries to worry about going into this championship clash. MacCumhaills finished second from last in division one this year, and they will want to put on a performance this weekend. They play a Dungloe team who operated in division two this year, and will be pleased that they avoided relegation.
Dungloe manager Francie Martin has a few concerns of his own. Conor Greene, the full forward is carrying a knock but they are hoping that he will be okay to play. Cory Gallagher is still in America and won’t feature. Beyond that everyone else is available.
Verdict: Dungloe

Senior Championship Group C
Four Masters v Milford
Saturday, 6.30pm

Four Masters boss Pat Campbell will be very frustrated that his team finished second from bottom in division two this year.
They could earn some solace from the championship, but their opener is against Danny O’Donnell’s Milford team which finished dead last in division one. The team news from O’Donnell this week was that county u-20 Ronan Docherty remains on the injury list, ever since he was put on it in May.
The good news for them is everyone else is available. Kane Barrett returned from America recently and Ryan McMahon, who was also on the county u-20 squad, has returned from injury.
Verdict: Milford

Senior Championship Group C
Glenfin v Glenswilly
Sunday, 2.30pm

Mark McGinty has cause to celebrate heading into this weekend’s championship as, for the first time this year, he has a full team to select from. Despite the absences, Glenfin were able to climb to fifth place in division two this year.
But they have a job of work against Glenswilly, who famously play a lot better when Championship football rolls around.
Ryan McKinley’s Glenswilly team still has some important absentees who are out long term. They include Gary and Kealan McFadden. However, Neil Gallagher, Caolan Kelly, Ciaran Bonner have returned from injury.
With Michael Murphy back and settled into club football, Glenswilly remain a dangerous team.
Verdict: Glenswilly

Senior Championship Group D
Termon v Bundoran
Sunday, 2pm

There are a couple of issues that Termon boss Paddy McDaid is dealing with ahead of this game. He is without Jamie Gallagher and Shane Doherty who is suspended for one game.
But apart from those tow the team that finished in seventh place in division two is full strength.
Bundoran had a positive division one campaign. They won eight of their 18 games played, and comfortably avoided relegation. They will carry that form into this championship.
There is mixed news from the squad. Niall Dunne confirmed that Ciaran McCaughey dislocated his shoulder against Gaoth Dobhair in the league. Dara Hoey has damaged knee ligaments. Christy Keaney won’t take part as he is getting married this weekend. Ashley Mulhern is on a tour of duty with the defence forces.
On the positive side their captain Shane McGowan is coming back from a calf injury, Michael McEniff has recovered from a groin strain, and Paul Delaney is back from a hamstring issue. Then there are their two county men, Jamie and Paul Brennan who have really bolstered the team.
Verdict: Bundoran

Senior Championship Group D
Kilcar v Malin
Sunday, 3pm

Barry Doherty’s Kilcar team finished top of division one and are in flying form ahead of this championship. There are two lads who are going to miss out though. Aodhan McGinley is out for the year with ACL injuries. Stephen McBrearty is also sidelined, but could return soon. Bar those, everyone else is fit to feature.
They will be fancied to beat Division three’s Malin, who won nine of their 18 games played this year.
Verdict: Kilcar