Derbies come thick and fast as Buncrana turn attention to Naomh Pádraig showdown

Buncrana’s Intermediate Football Championship campaign has been given fresh momentum after last weekend’s derby win over Burt – and now all eyes are on another big clash at The Scarvey when Naomh Pádraig Muff arrive on Sunday (2pm).

The victory over Burt, secured by 0-16 to 0-13, came just three weeks after Caolan McGonagle lined out for Donegal in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park. The county midfielder has wasted no time in settling back into club action and was man-of-the-match against Burt, driving his team forward from the middle of the park and kicking four crucial points.

“It’s probably tough coming back to club activity,” McGonagle admitted. “The break between the two is very short. You’re coming back into a completely new system and it feels like your fitness might have fallen a wee bit. But I’m happy to get back playing with the boys and the club, especially as I didn’t get to play any club football with them last year.”

Buncrana had suffered defeat away to Malin in their opening group game, so last Sunday’s result was badly needed. With John Campbell prominent early on, they powered into an eight-one lead, only for Burt to narrow the gap after Campbell’s black card before half-time. Buncrana still had enough to hold out, with the defensive effort of Cathal McNutt and scores from Campbell and Odhrán Mulholland helping to see them over the line.

That win sets up this weekend’s derby with Muff as a real test of Buncrana’s credentials. Naomh Pádraig showed their steel with a draw against Malin in their previous game – and Malin had beaten Buncrana in round one which tells just how little separates the teams in this year’s championship.

“Yeah, we had a bit of a breeze and got some good work done against Burt, but there are a lot of learnings to take into next week,” McGonagle said. “It’s the first win this team has got in a while, so it’s a good two points. We’ll get back to training and hopefully iron out a few of those mistakes. These local derbies are coming thick and fast.”

With both sides eager to push on in the group, Sunday’s tie promises to be another hard-hitting Inishowen contest. Buncrana will look again to McGonagle’s leadership and energy around the middle third, while Muff will take heart from their battling display against Malin.

The Scarvey should be buzzing come 2pm on Sunday, and with Donegal GAA’s new streaming service showing the game live, there will be plenty of eyes on what promises to be one of the weekend’s standout fixtures.