Ryan Ferry reflects back on a busy championship campaign

Controversy of the Championship: The big controversy of the campaign surrounded the St Eunan’s v Termon Preliminary quarter-final in Convoy. Termon’s last score came when they had 16 players on the pitch as John James Sweeney was still making his way off the field as Enda McCormick collected the ball and fisted over. St Eunan’s lost by a point and considered an appeal but opted against it as ‘the incident was not the result of any deliberate act on Termon’s behalf.’

Jetsetter of the Championship: It wasn’t the fairytale ending that he hoped but Niall Friel flying home twice from Dubai to play for Gaoth Dobhair in the championship shows remarkable commitment to the cause. Food for thought for those who like to skip out on the long trips across Donegal in the early stages of the league!

Shock of the Championship: There were a few surprises during an open championship but perhaps none greater than Downings stunning Kilcar in Towney. They were ten behind but came back strongly. Jordan Nugent saved a penalty from Patrick McBrearty before Ronan Gallagher’s long-range free gave the Mevagh men a famous win.

Welcome addition of the championship: Stream Sport Ireland entered a three-year live stream partnership with Donegal GAA this season and it proved to be a great success. The quality of the video work was excellent with a commentator and analyst on board for every match and that added to the viewer’s experience. The season pass did seem a bit steep at €175 but it was good value for people who wanted to catch up on games that they weren’t able to attend in person.

Pitch of the Championship: With MacCumhaill Park closed for re-development, all the big championship matches took place in O’Donnell Park. The pitch was in great condition for all the action and there’s always a great atmosphere with fans packed into the Dr James McDaid Stand.

Game of the Championship: Much more contenders than previous years thankfully and the pick of the lot was Termon against Naomh Conaill in the quarter-finals which ended 2-12 to 2-11 in favour of Martin Regan’s men. It had a little bit of everything with thrills and spills and a dramatic finish, and the spectators were totally engaged.

Cormac Gallagher on the ball for Termon against Naomh Conaill.

Moan of the Championship: It was unfortunate that we didn’t see Michael Murphy and Ciaran Thompson play in the club championship due to injuries picked up in the intercounty season. However, a lot of their Donegal teammates missed the first round of games as they took a short break after the All-Ireland Final. That could have been avoided by pushing the start date back a week or two, and is something that should be looked at going forward if this format remains in place.

Bad luck of the Championship: Sean MacCumhaills were one of the stories of the group phase as they played a fast, vibrant brand of football. However, injuries to Oisin Gallen and Kevin McCormack robbed them of their punch in attack and their campaign petered out at the quarter-final stage.

Suggestion of the Championship: Looking back at the early stages, it’s striking how many players lined out for a game or two but didn’t feature come the business end. Yet those players couldn’t play for their reserves when they were ‘burned’. Perhaps it’s time to introduce a stipulation where if a player doesn’t feature at senior level for two full games, then they would become eligible once again for their club’s second string.

Individual display of the Championship: Those who were fortunate to watch Michael Langan against Glenfin were treated to a masterclass of high fielding and wonderful scores as he notched 11 points for St ‘Michael’s on a perfect evening for football. Special mention goes to Oisin Gallen for his 1-10 salvo against Ardara, and Odhran O’Connor’s 3-2 return, also in a clash against the Pearse Memorial Park men.

Michael Langan of St Michael’s takes a shot against Glenfin.

Faller of the Championship: For three years on the bounce, St Naul’s had managed to save themselves in the Relegation Final but it wasn’t to be this term as they lost to Aodh Ruadh and will play Intermediate football next term. It’s frustrating for St Naul’s, who didn’t have Stephen Griffin at full fitness, but if you flirt with the trap door, eventually you’ll fall through.

Score of the Championship: Given its importance, the difficulty of the kick, and how it just crept inside the posts, the nod has to go to Shea Malone’s magnificent two-pointer which sent the County Final to extra-time.

The ‘Fire in the Belly’ of the Championship: The Championship got off to a low-key start but Killybegs were ready for league winners Termon in Fintra and defeated them by 1-12 to 0-8. Speaking afterwards, Killybegs manager Pauric Bonner said: “Tactics don’t win Championship matches – fire in the belly and being willing to go down on the dirty ball, and fight for every ball. If you go after that then you stand a chance, and you’re quality will come through then.”

The 12 Apostles of the Championship: Dungloe finished with only 12 players on the field in their Championship opener with Downings but still managed to come through by 2-12 to 0-17.