Donegal are one of the top counties in Ireland, but their record in club championship football leaves a lot to be desired.
The Ulster club championship is a notoriously tough competition to win, and it has proved very elusive for Donegal clubs. Dating back to 1968, they have competed in just six Ulster finals, and their sole victory was St. Joseph’s in 1975 who collected the Seamus McFerran cup at the third time of asking.
This year was supposed to be different. Gaoth Dobhair are coming into the Ulster club hot, after impressive en route to their first Donegal title in 12 seasons. Back boned by Donegal star man Odhrán MacNiallais, the McGee brothers and former county king Kevin Cassidy, many expected them to end a 43 year drought this November.
However, their chances of ending that drought has been dealt a huge blow with the news that inspirational centre back, Kieran Gillespie has been ruled out for the rest of the season and into next year because of a cruciate ligament injury picked up in last weekend’s win over Antrim champions, Cargin.
The Donegal champions have confirmed the news that it was indeed an ACL tear.
“Kieran will be a big loss to our current campaign and we wish Kieran all the best in his recovery,” the club said.
It is understood that the injury was quite innocuous, Gillespie went in for the throw-in alongside Cassidy and came down awkwardly on his leg.
News of the county man’s injury comes as a huge blow as they look towards an Ulster semi final clash with Crossmaglen Rangers in two week’s time.
It is an unfortunate blow for Gillespie personally who missed most of last season through injury, only to come back strong this year and drive the club on to a county title.
Gaoth Dobhair natives will be consoled by the fact that the industrious MacNiallais will return against Crossmaglen after a broken finger ruled him out against Cargin last weekend.
The Donegal champions are slight favourites with Paddy Power going into the game with 11 time champions Crossmaglen, however, this could all change after news that Gillespie is out.
