Murphy in for big weekend

Michael Murphy looks set to have a busy weekend later this month after his Glenswilly side qualified for the Donegal SFC final.

Donegal’s 2012 All-Ireland-winning skipper has been chosen by Paul Earley to captain the Irish International Rules side for the series against Australia.

The first of those Tests takes place at Breffni Park in Cavan next Saturday week, less than 24 hours before the meeting of Glenswilly and Killybegs in Donegal’s showpiece. The Donegal CCC last night confirmed the fixture will go ahead as originally planned. The second Test will take place at Croke Park on October 26.

“We had a recovery session on Sunday morning after Saturday night’s match and we are now putting our focus in the county final on October 20,” Glenswilly manager Gary McDaid said yesterday.

Glenswilly squeezed past Ardara in Ballybofey on Saturday night by a point, 1-14 to 0-16, while Killybegs put their poor All-County Football League Division One form behind them to defeat Malin yesterday.

Division Two Glenswilly, who had Murphy enjoying a fine first half where he posted four points, looked in complete control as they led Ardara by 1-8 to 0-6 at the interval, with Colin Kelly netting a 17th-minute goal.

Ardara, who were missing Donegal corner-back Paddy McGrath after surgery, rallied in the second half and Brendan McNelis and Garth Concarr got them back level. However, Kelly edged Glenswilly a point in front and in the fourth minute of stoppage time Peter McNelis was denied a share of the spoils when his punt at a leveller hit the upright.

Meanwhile, 14-man Killybegs continued their bizarre campaign with a 0-11 to 1-7 win over Malin. The only unbeaten side in the championship, Killybegs have lost 14 from 14 in the league.