BY RYAN FERRY

1. Close matches augers well

It would be perhaps foolish to read too much into the opening weekend as some teams were a good bit off full strength.

However, it was certainly encouraging to see the close nature of the matches in the Senior Championship over the weekend.

All but one of the eight games was decided by three points or less. The exception was Killybegs’s 1-12 to 0-8 triumph over Termon.

There definitely was a sense in some of the games that clubs hadn’t totally embraced the new rules, but there were a couple of compelling comebacks where teams used two-pointers to aid their cause.

The fact that the ‘big two’ – St Eunan’s and Naomh Conaill – were beaten might give belief to other teams although the heavyweights will improve.

There are another eight games down for decision this weekend and just like Round 1, a considerable chunk of the matches are difficult to call.

2. No one size fits all approach
for county players

There’s been much debate over the last week over whether the championship should have started later or been delayed to allow the county players an extra break after the long run with the county team.

It was a long and emotional journey, and not every player would deal with the loss in the same way.

Some needed to get away, while a couple of clubs were in no rush to rush their men back knowing there’s plenty of time to make up any lost ground.

Others did head away for a short spell and made sure to get back in time for the start of the action.

There’s no one size fits all approach and speaking after helping Killybegs to an excellent win over Termon, Donegal midfielder Hugh McFadden detailed how he handled the last few weeks.

“There’s no nice way around it.

“It’s gut-wrenching and it’s soul-breaking. Every bit of your core is hurt.

“I came back up on the Thursday night – a few days after – and just got back in with the boys. I don’t know anything else, and I don’t know any other way to get over it.

“The boys didn’t have to say anything. You just knew by looking them in the eye that they appreciated you being back so quickly and I appreciated their support without saying too much.

“It’s fantastic to get back with the boys and gives you something to focus on rather than letting that defeat linger all winter.”

3. Players return home for
club championship fare

Clubs having a stronger selection for the championship is far from a new phenomenon.

However, it was striking how many players returned from their travels to line out at the start of the Club Championship.

Some are now home for good while others plan to head away again once their teams conclude their championship action. Remote working has certainly enabled young players to take a different approach.

Evan Broderick made a huge impact in midfield for Killybegs in their win over Termon after spending the bulk of the last year in Australia.

Caoimhin Marley (Glenswilly), Hugh O’Donnell (St Michael’s), Joe Melly (Ardara), Karl McGlynn (Glenfin) and Ryan Gillespie (Naomh Columba) all returned from Oz to play last week.

All five were subs and there is a bit of match sharpness to work on, but they will all be pushing for starting places in the coming weeks.

It may be expensive to return home but it’s difficult to place a price on tasting championship success with your home club.

4. League standings not relevant
in Intermediate Championship

It was a lively start to the Intermediate Championship with a few surprises thrown into the mix.

Burt and Red Hughs both operated in Division 3 this season but that didn’t hinder them last week.

With momentum behind them, they were well fit to take down Division 2 opposition in Gaeil Fhánada and Cloughaneely respectively.

Milford finished four places ahead of Naomh Columba in Division 2 this term but the Glencolmcille side were dominant when they met last Saturday.

Buncrana finished above Malin on score difference in Division 1, but it was the Connolly Park side that prevailed last week.

Naomh Pádraig bucked the trend with a win over Realt na Mara when they stole the points at the death, while as expected Naomh Muire were just too strong for Na Rossa.

The general consensus in the lead-up to the Intermediate Championship, that it was difficult to call a winner and that hasn’t been made any easier after the first weekend.

5. Carn won’t have it all
their own way in Junior

There’s no doubt that Carndonagh are the red-hot favourites to win the Junior ‘A’ Championship.

After all, they had a strong league campaign and are now welcoming Conor O’Donnell back into the set-up.

However, there will still be some sticky assignments on the journey.

Naomh Ultan shocked Muff last year, and they provided a tough test for Carn last weekend.

There were only three points between the sides midway through the second half before the Foden men pulled clear.

It should be pointed out that the aforementioned O’Donnell didn’t start but the likes of Naomh Ultan, Letterkenny Gaels, and St Mary’s, Convoy will all feel that they can compete with Carn come the business end of the Championship.

6. Streaming service starts off well

News that Donegal GAA have linked up with Stream Sport Ireland in a streaming partnership is welcome for GAA fans in the county and further afield.

There are options to buy single games, a weekend pass and a season pass.

They aren’t cheap but it’s clear that the County Board want to make sure that people actually attending matches in person.

Given the vast nature of Donegal, it’s often challenging to attend more than one championship game a day, and the catch-up element means that fans can keep tabs on the action at a later time.

The opening weekend went well with four good games shown and they were well received.

There was a good standard to the camera work as well as informed commentary teams, and some insightful interviews carried out afterwards.

Going forward, clubs could certainly help by providing detailed team sheets to the commentators and that would improve the service.

All in all, it was a promising opening weekend and four more matches will be streamed in the coming days.