St Michael's GAA (Donegal)

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

• Michael Langan — 2018, 2019, 2024 and 2025 Ulster SFC winner
• Martin McElhinney — 2012 All-Ireland SFC winner
• Colm McFadden — 2012 All-Ireland SFC winner and All-Ireland SFC top scorer
• Antoin McFadden — 2012 All-Ireland SFC winner
• Mark Anthony McGinley — Donegal goalkeeper 2015–19
• Brian McLaughlin — former Donegal player & current Donegal masters captain
• Daniel McLaughlin — 2012 All-Ireland SFC winner
• Christy Toye — 2012 All-Ireland SFC winner
• Peter Witherow — 2012 All-Ireland SFC winner

Managers

Honours

• Donegal Senior Football Championship runner-up: 2011
• All-Ireland Intermediate Club Football Championship runner-up: 2004
• Ulster Intermediate Club Football Championship: 2003
• Donegal Intermediate Football Championship: 2003
• Donegal Junior Football Championship: 1983, 1992

References

References

1. (11 August 2011). "Club focus – St Michael's Dunfanaghy/Creeslough". [[Gaelic Life]].
2. "gaainfo.com".
3. (18 June 2012). "St. Michael's move to second place". [[Donegal Democrat]].
4. (21 April 2009). "St. Michael's suffer first defeat at the hands of Naomh Conaill". [[Donegal Democrat]].
5. Ferry, Ryan. (23 July 2020). "Cloughaneely targeting improved performance". [[Donegal News]].
6. "Maghery Sean MacDermotts GAA: Archive News".
7. Ellard, Michael. (2004-04-26). "Sweet Ilen call the tune in All-Ireland triumph".
8. Foley, Alan. (23 January 2013). "McGuiness (sic) only too willing to help out McGinley". [[Donegal Democrat]].
9. (26 April 2004). "Easy in the end for Ilen". [[Irish Independent]].
10. (3 October 2011). "Murphy is the star as Glenswilly triumph". [[The Irish Times]].
11. (3 October 2011). "Murphy magic proves key as Glenswilly secure first Donegal crown". [[Irish Independent]].
12. Craig, Frank. (2024-09-29). "Dungloe bridge 60-year gap to get back to county final with win over St Michael's".
13. Magheragallon, Tom Comack in. (2024-09-08). "St Michael's clinch quarter-final place with win against Gaoth Dobhair".
14. Campbell, Peter. (2024-09-22). "St Michael's come from eight down to shock Kilcar in Glenties".
15. Ardagh, J.. (1937-10-30). "St. Michael's Church, Burleigh Street, Strand". Notes and Queries.
16. Russell, Adrian. (2012-10-25). "In pictures: Meet your 2012 GAA GPA football All-Stars".
17. Kelly, Daniel. (2012-10-03). "The 2012 GAA/GPA Football All Star Nominations Revealed.".
18. "Lacey lifts footballer of the year award". BBC Sport.
19. Writer, Staff. (2021-10-23). "St. Eunan's defeat 14-men of St. Michael's to reach SFC final".
20. McBride, Caitríona. "Christy Toye reflects on a career of success and defiance".
21. (16 July 2004). "Donegal duo axed from panel". [[BBC Sport]].
22. Foley, Alan. (9 September 2020). "St Michael's manager Gary O'Neill cuts a frustrated figure after narrow loss to Kilcar".
23. (20 September 2021). "St Michael's Manager Daniel McLaughlin glad with win at MacCumhaills". [[Highland Radio]].
24. (31 March 2022). "Untitled [photos, four with the captions beneath the top two given]". [[Donegal News]].
25. Ferry, Ryan. (31 March 2022). "Glenfin gear up for Division 1". [[Donegal News]].
26. Ferry, Ryan. "Brighter outlook for St Michael's with Langan fit". Breaking Ball: Team-by-team guide to the Donegal Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championships (''Donegal News''). 8 August 2024. page 55. "It wasn't easy without their star man, but joint manager Cathal Sweeney is looking forward to seeing the county star back in the red and white jersey. 'We're all excited to have [[Michael Langan (Gaelic footballer). Michael]] back this year', said Sweeney, who manages the team alongside Raymond McLaughlin."