Senior Football: Connemara Gaels v Donegal

Connemara Gaels 1-16 Donegal 1-10

Connemara Gaels added a well-earned 2 points to their championship total with a comprehensive win over Donegal.  It was an all round display with the Gaels looking sharp, and the defence worked hard all through the game to provide the platform for the win.  Tony Brosnan was on form up front, while Kieran Murphy worked hard in the middle of the field throughout.

The Gaels enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, and took the break 2 points to the good.  Looking to rebound following the previous week’s heavy defeat to Wolfe Tones, the Gaels played with a heightened sense of urgency.  After Rory Kavanagh opened the Donegal account with a goal from close range in the first minute, Sean Conneeley restored parity with a second chance effort.

Gavin Gallagher gallops through the Gaels back line.

The Gaels went on to outscore Donegal six points to two with some great defensive work followed by sharp scores from Tony Brosnan, Martin Farragher, and Fintan Cooney.  It was clear that the Gaels were intent on going home happy.  Towards the end of the half Donegal narrowed the gap through Jason Whelan and Mal McDermott with a well taken free.

Tony Brosnan gets away from his man.

The Gaels continued to work impressively hard in the back line throughout the second half and generated scores from balls that were turned over.  Ryan Caffrey, Coleman Mulkerrins, and Kieran McGeary did some excellent work while at the other end Frank Burns put a pair of excellent points over the bar, as did Tony Brosnan.  Noel Graham and Martin Farragher chipped in, however, Graham had to leave the field after receiving a black card.  His replacement, Damien Doolan did just as well during his time on the field, and set up a score for Burns.

Donegal’s performance looked lackluster for the most part however, and the northerners tried to get some change out of the Gaels before it was too late and brought on some subs.  Things did not open up in that department for them.  Emlyn Mulligan accounted for 3 points from frees, but the Gaels were not for turning on this Sunday as each point Donegal scored was answered with two.  First to every loose ball, and seemingly holding an extra man in the final 10 minutes, the Gaels will have restored some confidence with this win. 

Gaels:  E. Connolly, K. McGeary, C. Fahy, F. Cooney, R. Caffrey, C. Mulkerrins, K. Murphy, S. O’Connor, S. Conneeley, N. Graham, F. Burns, M. Farragher, T. Brosnan.  Donegal:  M. Boyle, J. Noctor, C. Burke, S. Doherty, D. Green, G. Gallagher, M. Smyth, B. Donnelly, J. Whelan, E. Mulligan, E. Doherty, M. McDermott, R. Kavanagh.

By Rory O'Donnell