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St Michael's GAA (Donegal)

St Michael's (CLG Naomh Mícheál) is a GAA club based in Creeslough/Dunfanaghy in County Donegal. Located in the north of the county, the club is affected by rural issues such as low population and emigration; despite this they play at the top level in the Donegal Senior Football Championship and opened a new clubhouse in 2010. The club colours are red and white.

The club plays at the Bridge in Dunfanaghy.

The club has rivalries with Cloich Cheann Fhaola, CLG Na nDúnaibh and Glenswilly.

History

The club was founded in 1952. The club was previously known as Creeslough Dunfanaghy GAA club. They won the Donegal Junior Football Championship twice in 1983 & 1992. In 2003 they won the Donegal Intermediate Football Championship. They then went on to become Ulster champions and reached the inaugural all-Ireland Intermediate football championship final where they were beaten by Ilen Rovers GAA of Cork. 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley used to play for the club.

The club reached the final of 2004 All-Ireland Intermediate Club Football Championship. reached the final of the 2011 Donegal Senior Football Championship, only to lose to Glenswilly. This was their first final appearance at senior level. They have since featured in 5 semi-finals but have ultimately failed to reach another final since, most recently falling to An Clochán Liath by a point in the 2024 Donegal Senior Football Championship. They have, however, shown promise in recent years defeating 3 of the so-called "Big Four" in the championship in the 2024 & 2025 seasons having not done so for the previous 10 years.

They contributed six players to the Donegal county team that won the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final at Croke Park, including Colm McFadden, who scored a goal in the final and ended the season as top scorer. He also went on to win an all star and was nominated for player of the year which some considered him unfortunate not to win, pipped by teammate Karl Lacey, possibly due to Donegal's emphasis on defence throughout their successful campaign. Christy Toye, considered one of the most skilful and exciting players of his era, was another key St Michaels player in the 2012 winning side. A humble gentleman who, despite his injuries and unfortunate medical condition diagnosis, played for his county for 15 years, and for his club until he was 38. At the time of his retirement he was the leading goal scorer for Donegal in Croke park.

Notable players

Managers

Honours

References

External links