Dermot Molloy celebrates one of Naomh Conaill’s goals in last year’s semi-final Photo: Donna El Assaad
THE Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure Senior Football Championship will be whittled down to two teams after the semi-finals take place on Sunday.
First up, is the meeting between Glenswilly and Malin in O’Donnell Park, and that is followed by a blockbuster tie between Naomh Conaill and Kilcar.
That clash should attract a large crowd to Ballybofey and neither side will be short on motivation this week.
Naomh Conaill are aiming to win back-to-back titles for the first time, while Kilcar haven’t reached a final since 1993.
The Glenties men defeated Kilcar comfortably in the semi-final last year, but Naomh Conaill joint-manager Martin Doherty, expects it to be much closer this term.
“That wasn’t really a true reflection of either team. Paddy (McBrearty) and Eoin (McHugh) were nowhere near match fit that day.
“They missed two goal chances before we got a lucky enough one ourselves and Kilcar’s heads started to drop after that.
“We won’t be reading anything into last year and I’m sure they are the same. Kilcar are a very different animal this season.”
Malin and Glenswilly also met in the championship last year, with the Glen men prevailing in the group stages.
Malin defeated Dungloe in the quarter-finals last week, and are hoping to reach the county final for the first time in their history.
Glenswilly appear to be hitting form at just the right time, and they go into Sunday’s match as clear favourites. However, their assistant manager Gary McDaid is not getting carried away.
“There’s a huge prize on offer, but we can’t afford to think about the final.
“Our focus is on Malin and preparing as best as we can.”
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