IT'S the clash of Tir Chonaill’s true heavyweights as reigning county champions St Eunan’s and neighbours Glenswilly collide in a potentially cracking Donegal SFC quarter-final in Ballybofey tomorrow evening (Ballybofey 6.45pm).
This is a real town-versus-country clash with a slick and youthful Letterkenny side hoping to repeat last year’s county final victory over the long men from the Glen.
The return of the talismanic Rory Kavanagh from the States has given Eunan’s a huge boost while Kevin Rafferty, Conal Dunne, Eamon Doherty and John Haran have around half a dozen county medals in their lockers.
Add in the youthful promise of Lee McMonagle, Conor Parke, Dara Mulgrew and Sean McVeigh and you have a potent force.
But the big country lads from just out the road in Glenswilly have the peerless Michael Murphy, Neil Gallagher, Gary McFadden and the mercurial Ciaran Bonner to power their challenge.
Aaron Kelly and Joe Gibbons provide strong support to a side that might just get revenge for last year’s county final defeat.
Meanwhile Kilcar are fancied to get the better of a Four Masters side that is in transition in today’s afternoon clash in Fintra (3pm).
The reigning League champions are oozing panache and pedigree.
Ryan McHugh, Mark McHugh, Paddy McBrearty, Michael Hegarty and the highly promising Stephen McBrearty are real aces against the Donegal Town side that are managed by ex-Tyrone star Ciaran McBride.
Karl Lacey, Barry Dunnion and the ageless Barry Monaghan remain key figures for the Masters who have no less than nine promising U21 stars who have tasted senior experience.
Dillon Ward, Leo McHugh and Caelan Loughney have great potential, but Kilcar’s sheer quality and experience should prevail.
Elsewhere the very well balanced Naomh Conaill should have far too much power and panache for Termon in another clash tonight in Ballybofey (7.30pm).
The men from Glenties have the best forward line in the county, in Darragh Gallagher, Dermot Molloy, Leo McLoone, Leon Thompson and John O’Malley.
The outstanding Brendan McDyre is injured, but the 2010 champions can still call on Anthony Thompson, Marty Boyle and Johnny McLoone to provide strong leadership.
Opponents Termon rely heavily on the scoring skills of last year’s county U21 star Daire McDaid.
Christy Conaghan is also a major figure and the veteran Johnny McCafferty is still hovering around the squad.
But it should be a fairly comfortable victory for Kilcar.
Liam ‘Baker’ Bradley’s surprise packets from Malin caused a major shock by deservedly putting Gaoth Dobhair out of the Championship in Magheragallon.
They face a mammoth task against a powerful star- studded St Michael’s side tomorrow afternoon in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny (3pm).
Bradley’s boys include the powerful McLaughlin clan but it is their hardy team spirit that is their greatest asset.
Colm McFadden sustained an apparent ankle injury while playing in a League tie against Dungloe last week.
A fit McFadden, Christy Toye, Martin McElhinney, Daniel Mclaughlin and the veteran Brian McLaughlin should advance with something to spare.
