June 5 - Junior Football: Shannon Blues v Donegal

Donegal 2-19 Shannon Blues 1-3


It was mostly one-way traffic as Donegal proved to be far too strong for the Shannon Blues in the opening junior championship game of the season. Donegal fielded a side containing several names that we may very well see feature in senior competition later in the year. The Blues battled throughout the hour but it was a case of trying to beat back the waves as Donegal overran their defences.

Blues rise highest for this kickout.

Donegal left the Blues looking a mountain to climb by the time the first 30 minutes were played. Darren Green, Paddy McLoughlin, Alan McGirr, Eamonn McCarney, and Eoin Sheedy got their names on the scoreboard in the opening period. Sheedy accounted for the first half goal, finishing a fine move put together by Donegal. Donegal had things locked down from midfield and any attacks the Blues attempted were quickly closed off. Alan McGirr at midfield and Brian Duffy at center back had matters well in hand for the northerners. At the half Donegal led by a score of 1-9 to 0-1.

It was more of the same in the second half. The Blues added a second point to their tally, and Mike Coyne forced a save out of Christy McLoughlin in the Donegal goal following some well placed passes from the Blues. Donegal, however, cruised to victory. Additional scores from Duffy, McCarney, Pauric McLoughlin, and Eoin Sheedy embellished the Donegal tally. A late Blues goal was well finished by Conor Fitzgerald, who added a well-taken point shortly afterwards. An easy win for the Donegal juniors to get off the mark, while the Blues will be looking for better things in the season to come.

Donegal: C. McLoughlin, B. Friel, N. Byrne, K. Coyle, B. Duffy, P. Wanish, P. McLoughlin, A. McGirr, E. McCarney, R. Ivers, E. Sheedy, J. Eagan, D. Green. Blues: P. Murray, M. Green, M. Buckley, M. Keegan, B. McDermott, P. Moriarty, N. Murray, B. Collopy, M. Coyne, K. O’Sullivan, C. Fitzgerald, T. Hernon, R. Howley.


By Rory O'Donnell

Other results from the Junior A Championship were:
Connemara Gaels 2-15 Wolfe Tones 0-6
Aidan McAnespies 1-22 New England Celtics 1-8