KEVIN CASSIDY: The race is wide open

TO say that we had a few upsets in Donegal last weekend would be a bit of an understatement to say the least.

Going into last week’s fixtures, like most others, I predicted that holders Naomh Conaill would make it through with Kilcar and Glenswilly. All three have now fallen, blowing the title race wide open.

I actually thought Glenswilly might be the team to beat this year given their mix of youth and experience, but a full-hearted Dungloe side put them to the sword last weekend.

Let’s start with the big game of the weekend and holders Glenties being dumped out by a gallant St Eunan’s outfit.

Having watched the Letterkenny men against us a few weeks ago, I was open about the fact that I was extremely disappointed with them. In fairness to them, in the first half they were awesome and they tore Glenties apart.

Their second-half performance left a lot to be desired and they nearly threw the game away but that win should do wonders for their confidence.

Naomh Conaill looked like a team who are on the way down as they lacked any real power, pace and energy. They have been fantastic champions here in Donegal and the target must now be to try and replace some of the older lads who have been terrific servants to the club.

Elsewhere, St Michael’s caused a massive upset as they defeated Kilcar on Sunday afternoon. That was the result that probably sent shockwaves through the county.

I am going to touch on a touchy subject here but given last weekend’s result I feel the need to at least highlight it.

Last Sunday afternoon St Michael’s lined out without county man Michael Langan who has gone travelling after the group stages.

As you will know, I have absolutely no problem with any young fella heading away travelling or trying to gain some life experiences.

Here is my issue. The word on the street down is that Donegal players were told that if anyone has any plans to do any travelling or go on any holidays to do it before the county starts back.

That, in theory, is fine as the county management will have a clear run of the season. But what it does then, county players then choose to do the travelling during the club season and what a slap in the face that is to the clubs.

I just find it absolutely gut-wrenching that after developing a player all the way through, coaching him at underage, turning him into the player he is so that he is good enough to then play for the county, he is then put in a situation where he has to let his club down if he intends to travel a bit and play county football too.

I don’t know Michael personally, but I’m sure he has been under tremendous pressure over the last number of weeks. After his club reaching the semi-finals, I can nearly guarantee that he will be on his way back for this game. So, what was the point of it all?

It’s okay to let your club down and not play in the knockout stages but God forbid you go travelling in January and miss a few McKenna Cup games? Get a grip lads.

Anyway, back to this weekend’s pairings. The tie of the round is undoubtedly Gaoth Dobhair versus St Eunan’s.

The history attached to this fixture should be enough in itself. On top of that, both teams will know that the winner will stand a serious chance of winning it outright.

The second game sees Dungloe face off against St Michael’s. In truth, the result of this game will come down to whether or not Michael Langan has boarded a plane home this week. If he hasn’t, I think Dungloe will edge it. I just cannot back against our lads so I’m going for a Dungloe v Gaoth Dobhair final. What a day that would be if it were to happen.

We should have two very keenly contested games this week which is all we can ask for at this stage of the competition.