Senior Football - Connemara Gaels v Donegal

Donegal 0-12 Connemara Gaels 0-7

First points of the new senior football championship went to Donegal following a very entertaining game against the Connemara Gaels.  Donegal were by far the more clinical of the teams and converted their chances, while the Gaels wastefulness will be something they will look at correcting before the next outing.  Donegal took an early lead and held on to it, but may have considered themselves to be fortunate to be ahead at the break.  In the second half as legs tired it was Donegal who took their scores when it counted and ended up 5 point winners.

Kieran McDevitt is Watched my Michael Coyne.

Donegal had the better of the early exchanges and went into a 3 points to one lead.  After Patrick Cunningham opened the scoring for the Gaels, Donegal fired off points from Shane Carthy, and 2 from Corey Gallagher with his nice easy style.  The Gaels were on the defensive as Donegal had most of the possession and worked the ball through the lines well.  The Gaels got a foothold in the game and had the lion’s share of the possession for the second quarter of the game, but could not find the range to convert chances into scores.  As the misses piled up for the Gaels so did the frustration, and Donegal’s lead remained intact.

Cunningham eventually converted for the Gaels, and the score was answered by Carthy for Donegal, who made more of their opportunities.  Paddy McGee and Cunningham pointed to draw the scores level, before Lee Carr curled one over to make it a 0-5 to 0-4 Donegal lead at the break.

Ryan Caffrey Burst Forward for the Gaels.

Early in the second half it looked like Donegal suffered a blow as Corey Gallagher pulled up with what looked like a serious leg injury and had to leave the fray.  Donegal lifted their game thereafter with Shane Carthy pointing three times to extend the northerners lead.  The Gaels started to look tired and when in possession supporting options were few for the man with the ball.  An AJ Maguire point gave the Gaels a lift, and after Carthy restored the lead it could have been a goal for the Gaels as Colman Mulkerrins burst through and chipped just over the bar from an angle. 

A one score game heading into the final quarter.  The sides exchanged points, a lovely Darren Green score for Donegal was answered by a Paddy McGee point that sneaked over the bar.  Lazarus rose from the dead and Corey Gallagher sensationally re-entered play.  Gallagher was involved in a sweeping move that led to the insurance point for Donegal.  Colman Mulkerrins had a goal chance blocked, and with the following move, Donegal swept downfield with Gallagher finding Carthy to pop the ball over.  Carthy added a final point to put a cap on Donegal’s win.  The Gaels will look back and rue the missed scoring chances, and for Donegal, well, another win in the bag for the northerners.

Donegal:  H. Boyle, M. Canny, A. O’Sullivan, J. Newall, J. O’Brien, S. Doherty, S. Carthy, C. Gallagher, G. Reilly, N. Egan, L. Carr, D. Green, C. McDevitt.  Subs:  Diarmuid Moyne, Liam McCrea.

Gaels:  E. Connolly, M. Coyne, C. Kileen, P. McGee, T. Duignan, J. Flaherty, R. Caffrey, J. Bambrick, S. Murray, S. Conneeley, AJ McGuire, P. Cunningham, C. Mulkerrins.

By Rory O'Donnell

May 29 - Senior Football: Donegal v Galway

Donegal 0-8 Galway 0-7

Steven Walsh shoots for Galway as Danny McBride blocks.

There was just the one game Sunday at the ICC in Canton. Donegal lined out with two Ballybofey men in the middle of the field, each at either end of their football careers. Donegal stalwart, Michael McGinty, and new arrival, Andrew Bonner manned the middle for the northerners for the 60 minutes. Donegal huffed and puffed in the first half, while Galway did much better than their opponents moving the ball. Galway’s half time lead of two points could have been more had the Brighton men taken their chances, but Donegal lifted their game in the second half to record their second victory of the season.

Galway defended well in the first half and did well moving the ball when in possession. The half forwards were very involved in Galway’s attacking moves, and corner forward Kevin Cummins caused numerous problems for the Donegal defence. Cummins put four points over the bar in the first period. Three were from frees, two of which the Roscommon native won himself. The fourth from play was a very well taken score. Donegal looked to play the long ball into David Busteed and Ronan Reilly in the corners, but did not meet with much success in the first half. The Galway back line stuck well to their task and more often than not the ball came in the direction of the Donegal goal. Reilly and Busteed combined for Donegal’s best score of the half, something that Donegal would have hoped to see more of. Collie Carr and Andrew Bonner accounted for the other two points of Donegal’s first half tally, while Danny Reddin was the other Galway scorer. At the half Galway led by a score of 0-5 to 0-3.

Peter Ryan tries to break through the Donegal rearguard.

Donegal made a change in the forward line to start the second half. David Busteed and Jamie Doherty switched places. Galway almost extended their lead soon after the restart however. Cummins beat his defender and passed across the face of goal to Gearoid O’Connor. O’Connor’s shot from close range was blocked for a 45 by Emmet Doonan on the line. That was as good as it got for Galway for most of the second period. With the half twelve minutes old Donegal claimed the lead. Andrew Bonner played a big part in the Donegal effort. Donegal recorded the first score of the half. Following a Bonner run, Jamie Doherty put a fine point over the bar from a tight angle. Ronan Reilly followed with a pointed free and the sides were level. Donegal’s go ahead point came from David Busteed chasing back and winning the ball, for Doherty to finish with another great score. Bonner added another point with a bursting run through the Galway defence, Danny McBride extended the lead to three soon after. It was Galway coughing up the ball now as the Donegal defence tightened, and several attacks came to naught. Cummins had to come deeper than he would have liked to see the ball and rarely had a chance to shoot. Galway did get within a point in the late stages of the game and had Donegal hanging on to their slender lead for the last 5 minutes. Peter Nolan recorded a score off his left boot and Gearoid O’Connor brought Galway within one two minutes later. It was a tense last 5 minutes as Donegal hung on. O’Connor could have salvaged a point for Galway. O’Connor dummied his man and having brilliantly made the opening, fluffed his shot and dragged it wide. Two out of two for Donegal,and Galway still looking for their first win of the season.

Donegal: L. Mailey, H. Devine, M. Canney, P. McLoughlin, E. Doonan, D. McBride, M. McGinty, A. Bonner, J. Doherty, K. Curran, C. Carr, R. Reilly, D. Busteed. Galway: D. Faragher, S. Gallagher, P. Cummins, E. Costello, G. Dunphy, J. Kehoe, E. Kavanagh, P. Ryan, G. O’Connor, P. Nolan, D. Reddin, S. Walsh, K. Cummins.

By Rory O’Donnell

Donegal v Wolfe Tones

Wolfe Tones 0-7 Donegal 0-4

Donegal and Wolfe Tones played a tough, hard game Sunday afternoon and few will argue that the Tones came out worthy winners. With plenty of big men around the middle, and Down men Marty Farrell and Dan McCabe in the corner forward positions to provide the finishing touches, the Tones wore down their opponents.

Donegal's Paddy Kelly and Ken Regan of the Wolfe Tones

The Tones shot into a four point lead with Donegal scoreless until the half was 15 minutes old. Dan McCabe caused havoc and opened with two trademark points turning onto his right boot. After Marty Farrell pointed a free, McCabe struck again and Donegal management had seen enough. John O’Brien was given the duties of marking McCabe, and while McCabe was quieter, O’Brien’s effectiveness as an attacking wing back was neutralized. Donegal did fare better however. Christy McLoughlin and Danny McBride each pointed to make it a four points to two half time score.

After the Tones extended their lead to three points early in the second half, Donegal drew within a point through scored from Michael McGinty and Eamonn McCarney. With the sides trying to find the opening that would decide the game, it was the Tones who had the outlet in the end. McCabe and Farrell each pointed to put a goal in it. A goal would level it for Donegal and it came at the death but was disallowed as referee Tadhg Lucey saw a square ball. Eamonn McCarney put a high ball in and Paddy Kelly fisted in over keeper Dean Bourke, but Donegal delight soon turned into anger as much to their chagrin the goal did not stand.

The Tones advance to face the Connemara Gaels on April 30. Both teams have some impressive players and with both teams likely to have made some additions before the deadline it is hard to declare a favourite, but given the performances so far we should be in for a good game when the teams meet two weeks from now.

Tones: D. Bourke, D. Maguire, A. Rooney, C. Malone, K. Regan, M. O’Brien, J. Kavanagh, G. Brilly, S. Kelly, C. Power, D. Bonfil, D. McCabe, M. Farrell. Donegal: L. Mailey, H. Devine, P. McLoughlin, R. Ivors, E. Doonan, J. O’Brien, P. McLoughlin, M. McGinty, D. McBride, K. Curran, E. McCarney, C. McLoughlin, P. Kelly.

By Rory O'Donnell

Pat O'Brien Cup - Donegal 0-5 Galway 0-3

Donegal and Galway served up a low scoring encounter.  Chances were created by both teams, but neither had the shooting boots fine tuned yet.  The half time score of 0-3 to 0-1 in Donegal’s favour was indicative of the nature of the game.  Galway were guilty of at least four misses from frees that later in the season should be bankers.  For their part, Donegal missed plenty of chances from play.  However, Kevin Curran and Christopher McLaughlin managed to send the ball between the posts three times between them in the opening period.  Danny Reddin managed the lone score for Galway.  Galway worked hard throughout the half but it was all for very little return on the scoreboard. 

Galway's Peter Nolan with Hugh Devine in pursuit.

The second half continued along the same vein. The misses continued to mount at both ends of the field. Rocky Ivors looked lively in the Donegal forward line, and the man from Iorras added to the lead about 10 minutes into the second period. With both sides huffing and puffing in the search for scores, Kevin Curran added to Donegal’s tenuous lead with a point that made it a four point advantage for the northerners. Galway mounted a late assault on the Donegal goal which yielded two points, one from Donal Redmond and the other from Reddin right at the final whistle. Ray Byrne, Owen Kavanagh, and Jason Foley were best for Galway, while for Donegal Tom Caldwell had a good outing in the half back line, along with Rocky Ivors and Christopher McLaughlin up front. Donegal meet the Wolfe Tones next week.

Donegal: L. Mailey, H. Devine, B. Friel, T. Caldwell, J. O’Byrne, M. Kelly, P. McLaughlin, E. Doonan, P. Boyce, K. Curran, R. Ivors, C. McLaughlin, E. McCarney. Galway: P. McComiskey, P. Cummins, JJ O’Neill, R. Byrne, P. Ryan, J. Keogh, T. Walsh, O. Kavanagh, D. Redmond, G. O’Connor, J. Foley, P. Nolan, D. Reddin


By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football Final: Donegal Blow by McAnespies in Powerful Display.

Aiden McAnespies 0-8 Donegal 2-10



Donegal saved their best till last. Having sputtered through much of the season, and then having to play three games in the last week of the season, one being the semi-final Thursday night, Donegal swept to the senior football title with a display of hunger and power. There were several stars for the northerners, Brian Kelly at center forward worked extremely hard for the 60 minutes –and set up Donegal’s first goal for Paddy Kelly, for whom the victory must have been particularly satisfying. Ger Reddin at center back, like Brian Kelly, also put in a worthy 60 minutes of effort and covered well for his corner backs. Once Donegal had put together a four-point salvo in the middle of the second half, there was no question over who would be walking away with the cup.

Thomas Corrigan and the McAnespies forward line
had a frustrating day against a tight Donegal defence.

The game started with the tactics fairly clear. McAnespies were out to give room to the corner forwards and hit them at every opportunity. The problem was that when the chances came neither Thomas Corrigan nor CJ McGourty had their shooting boots on. It proved to be a very frustrating afternoon for the normally deadly McAnespies corner forwards. With the McAnespies wing forwards also largely out of the game a long afternoon loomed for red and white. Ger Reddin dropped back in support of the full back line, and picked up plenty of ball breaking from the challenges between corner back and forward. After 15 minutes McAnespies held a two points to one advantage. Collie Carr opened Donegal’s account, while McGourty pointed twice for McAnespies – once from a free and then from play. Donegal took the lead for good shortly after the McGourty score with a goal that resulted from Brian Kelly not giving up on the play and winning the ball on the McAnespies 21. Kelly passed to his namesake Paddy unmarked in front of goal, and the Ballylongford man made sure. Donegal followed with a Brian Kelly pointed free and a hard won John O’Loughlin point. McAnespies hit back with a McGourty point following some good interchanges between Corrigan and Tiernan Diamond in the lead up to the score. Just before half time a second goal from Donegal had Macs reeling. Sean Burke found Brian Kelly, and big Malin man buried the ball from 14 yards. At the half the two goals was the difference between the teams.

John O'Loughlin puts Donegal eight points up
in the second half.

With virtually nothing going their way McAnespies urgently needed to make some sort of change and Luke Sweetman was introduced for Tiernan Diamond. Sweetman added some strength to McAnespies forward line, but in the end the change proved to be largely cosmetic. Dan Graham and Paddy Kelly traded points with Neil Donaghy and Sweetman to open the half. Sweetman could have had a goal but his punched effort came off the top of the crossbar and over. Then Donegal put the game away with four points on the trot to open a 10 point lead. With Neil Collins and Reddin at the back, O’Loughlin in midfield, and both Kelly’s all performing at a level that McAnespies could not cope with, points went over from a Collie Carr free, O’ Loughlin, Burke, and Brian Kelly. McGourty, who had been brought deeper pointed twice late, and Burke traded a score with Colm McCrory at the end. Donegal were jubilant at the sound of the final whistle, and having lost out to McAnespies two years ago in the final, the feeling must have been particularly sweet.


Macs: S. Connolly, B. O’Reilly, T. McClelland, M. Bogue, D. Wylie, C. O’Sullivan, N. Donaghy (0-1), B. McGarr, C. McCrory (0-1), T. Diamond, D. Tobin, T. Corrigan, CJ McGourty (0-5). Sub: L. Sweetman (0-1). Donegal: M. Boyle, T. McGuire, N. Collins, D. Graham (0-1), G. Reddin, K. Lillis, M. McGinty, J. O’Loughlin (0-2), B. Lafferty, B. Kelly (1-2), C. Carr (0-2), P. Kelly (1-1), S. Burke (0-2).


By Rory O'Donnell

Junior A Football Final: High Drama as McCrudden Rescues Macs

Aiden McAnespies 1-12 Donegal 1-11



There was more than a twist in the tail of this junior football final. McAnespies held sway for most of the game only for Donegal to make a late comeback and almost snatch victory with a Paul Boyce goal as time was running out. McAnespies remained focused for the last few minutes and Dermot McCrudden leveled the scores, and then put the winning point over the bar with virtually no time left on the clock to claim the first of the trophies on offer Sunday.

Niall Gallen challenges Donegal's Darren Green

Donegal got off the mark first with two early points but McAnespies eventually settled and proceeded to put their stamp on the game. Mark Brady’s running and Dermot McCrudden ‘s finishing, combined with some well taken frees from McAnespies veteran Nigel Regan had McAnespies very much on top. With Donegal chasing the game McCrudden and Regan combined for three points from frees before Mark Brady finished a sweeping move to give McAnespies a 1-3 to 0-3 advantage. The threat from the Donegal forward line was largely neutralized. Gary Clarke and Niall Gallen were doing well in the corner back positions and Tom O’Hagen at center back had things well in control. Donegal pointed twice late in the half through Darren Green and Pauric McLaughlin as McAnespies started breaking down in the final third of the field. At the half it was McAnespies by three points, 1-6 to 0-6.

Donegal's Rob Porter comes
away with the ball.

Donegal came to grips with the game in the second half, though the northerners still were playing from behind. After McAnespies had opened up a five point lead through Drumm and McCrudden scores, Donegal strung together four unanswered points. Three Paul Boyce frees and fine point from substitute Felix Grenaghan brought them within a point. There were bookings issued as the tension mounted towards the grand finale. Paddy McLaughlin and Nigel Regan each received yellows for an off the ball episode. However, McAnespies looked to be regaining control of the game in the latter stages. Paddy McCusker pointed after being singled out by Mark Brady and Regan finished a point that resulted from some good supporting play. More bookings came, this time for Benny McGettigan and Pauric McLaughlin. With McAnespies leading by two points Donegal hit with a great goal from Paul Boyce. Paddy McLaughlin hit Boyce with a pass and the Donegal center forward pumped the ball into the far corner from 14 yards. Would Donegal snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? The answer was a resounding no as there was enough time left for McCrudden to point to bring the sides level. Eugene McKenna dropped a free into the Donegal penalty area and McCrudden popped the breaking ball over. A minute later Mark Brady found McCrudden with a pass, the composed wing forward’s shot sailed over the bar and with that, McAnespies won their second junior championship in a row impressive fashion.


Macs: P. Stones, N. Gallen, G. Clarke, S. Magill, T. O’Hagen, F. McPhillips, M. Drumm (0-1), P. McCusker (0-1), S. McGettigan, M. Brady (1-0), D. McCrudden (0-5), R. Murphy, N. Regan (0-5). Donegal: C. Mcloughlin, K. Coyle, H. Devine, P. McNulty, R. Porter, Paddy. McLoughlin, P. O’Connor, E. Doonan, K. McGee, P. Boyce (1-7), Pauric. McLoughlin (0-1), E. McCarney, D. Green (0-2). Sub: F. Greneghan (0-1).


By Rory O'Donnell

Sat August 21 - Junior Football semi-final: Shannon Blues v Donegal

Shannon Blues 0-8 Donegal 1-10


Donegal overcame the challenge of Shannon Blues in the first of the Junior A football semi-finals on Saturday. The northerners got some great performances from Paddy McLoughlin at wing back, Christy McLoughlin at center forward, and Eamonn McCarney at corner forward to keep an edge on their opponents through the second half. The Blues gave it a go and could have leveled affairs late in the game, having won a penalty, but the shot went wide and Donegal went on to march into next Sunday’s final.

Paddy McLoughlin bursting forward for Donegal.

The opening stages of the first half were dominated by the Blues. With the defence on top of Donegal, the Blues enjoyed most of the possession. Brendan Driscoll at center back directed play out of defence, and with Pat Murray motoring in midfield, Ulick Leonard, Nick Murray, and wing back Conor Fitzgerald pointed. Eamonn McCarney had opened the scoring with a point for Donegal, and trailing by three points to one, the Donegal men found their stride mid-way into the second period. Paddy McLaughlin, and his namesake Christy, each pointed to level matters, and Christy then almost goaled. Having made his own opening, McLaughlin tried to place the shot to the far post and the ball came back off the foot of the post. Soon afterwards, Donegal had their goal. Jonathan Byrne was found with a ball over the top and the Malin man beautifully placed his shot into the far corner. The sides traded points to bring us to half time with the Blues leading by a goal, 1-4 to 0-4.

The Blues tried everything to swing affairs to their advantage in a scrappy second half that had several stoppages. Wing back, Conor Fitzgerald, put in a fine performance in the second period, while Nick Murray and Mark Green made every effort to claw back the deficit. With Paddy McLaughlin making darting forward runs, Donegal stretched their lead to five points after the restart. Donegal had an early goal chance, but Kieran McGee’s close range shot was saved by Gary Henry. Paddy McLaughlin pointed and was followed by Christy with another. With 20 minutes to go the Blues launched a comeback effort. Nick Murray pointed, and Mark Green added another. Christy McLaughlin and Green then traded points and the difference between the sides stood at a goal. The Blues had a chance to level the game after Alan Garry, who had come on as a substitute was dragged down in the square. Mark Green faced the imposing figure of Colin Murphy in goal for Donegal, and Green tried to place the shot high to Murphy’s left, but missed the mark. Following the let off, Donegal pressed home the advantage. Emmet Doonan extended the lead to four, and Christy McLaughlin made it six with a points from frees, one followed the sending off of Brendan Driscoll for Shannon Blues. A good win for the Donegal, and the northerners await the winners of Sunday’s semi-final between New England Celtics and Aiden McAnespies in the final.

Blues: G. Henry, P. Moriarty, G. Jones, C. Fitzgerald (0-1), B. Driscoll, M. Keegan, P. Murray, N. Murray (0-3), D. Simms, M. Green (0-2), S. Griffin, U. Leonard (0-2), B. Dowdell. Donegal: C. Murphy, H. Devine, K. Coyle, P. McNulty, R. Porter, P. McLaughlin (0-2), E. Doonan (0-1), P. O’Connor, K. McGee, C. McLaughlin (0-5), B. Friel, J. Byrne (1-0), E. McCarney (0-2).


By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Donegal v Mayo - Aug 1

Donegal 1-14 Mayo 2-6


In a game that looked like it would be a classic one sided rout, Mayo gave Donegal some food for thought with a spirited performance and some fine shooting in the first half, and even though the westerners played the second half at a on man disadvantage, the outcome was never a sure thing until the final few minutes.

Mayo's Rob Murphy tries to get past Donal McNulty.

Donegal went in at half time with the smallest of leads thanks to a stiff first half Mayo performance. Mayo’s first two scores came by way of the goal. The first from a penalty taken by Sean Kenny after Gabriel McTaggert was pulled down in the box, and the second came from McTaggert himself midway through the half. McTaggert pulled down a high ball into the box and finished under Brian Fitzpatrick in the Donegal goal. The score leveled the game as Donegal had pointed six times. Conor Rafferty, Kevin Curran, Paddy Kelly, and Daniel Graham all found the mark for Donegal. Mayo’s wing forward Aiden Campbell displayed some fine shooting and put three fine points over the bar from close to the sideline, while wing back Peter Heneghan finished a good Mayo move. Donegal kept their noses in front thanks for a goal from Declan Meehan, while Kieran Lillis and Brian Lafferty each pointed before half time. Mayo lost midfielder Sean Kenny for dissent and had to take the field a man short for the second half.

The second half saw Mayo continue to hang in there, though it was a much lower scoring affair than the first. Aiden Campbell leveled the scores, but Kevin Curran and Brian Lafferty restored Donegal’s lead. Darragh McLoughlin and Rafferty traded scores, but it was a case of defences on top for much of the second period. Donegal eventually put a more comfortable distance between the teams. Lafferty and Sean Burke pointed in the final minutes and Donegal remain on track for the semis in three weeks time.


Donegal: B. Fitzpatrick, T. Maguire, N. Collins, D. Graham, N. Gurhey, K. Lillis, M. McGinty, D. McNulty, B. Lafferty, C. Rafferty, K. Curran, D. Meehan, P. Kelly. Mayo: A. Coyne, F. Coyne, K. McLoughlin, P. Walsh, R. Murphy, P. Heneghan, M. Feeley, S. Kenny, A. Campbell, D. McLoughlin, K. Staunton, A. Benson, G. McTaggert.
 
By Rory O'Donnell

July 18 - Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Donegal

McAnespies 1-11 Donegal 1-14

Donegal prevailed in a cracking game and finally produced the kind of performance many of us suspected that they were capable of delivering. The team was rejigged a little, with Kieran Lillis lining out at wing back, and Michael McGinty and Laoisman John O’Loughlin in midfield. McAnespies were more or less unchanged, however, Thomas Corrigan was carrying a hamstring injury and his having to leave the fray early did not help the cause of the South Boston based side. There was never much between the teams and plenty of yellow cards were issued, which kept a tense game under control. With about 10 minutes left in the game Donegal got the decisive score. With the sides level a Paddy Kelly goal proved to be the difference in the end.

Conor McGourty showed his class with some fantastic scores for McAnespies.


The opening score of the game came from a Thomas Corrigan free kick after 2 minutes. Yellows were issued soon after to Colm McCrory and his marker Daniel Granagh. Donegal then went into surge mode. Lillis from wing back and O’Loughlin from midfield overran the McAnespies defences on several occasions, while Brian Lafferty was popping up all over the forward line and proving a handful for the McAnespies defencers.  Four points resulted for Donegal. Conor Rafferty, Lafferty and O’Loughlin (2) put Donegal three points ahead. There could have been a goal in there also, but the sure score was opted for in the early going. McAnespies hit right back with two beautiful points, one from each corner forward, Corrigan and CJ McGourty. Paddy Kelly pointed with 16 minutes gone and Lafferty extended Donegal’s lead to three with a free - the Ballybofey man was playing probably his best game in a Donegal shirt this year. Corrigan then had to leave the fray with his injury flaring, and Coleman Hands was brought in at wing back. McAnespies rearranged their positions to accommodate, but a player of Corrigan’s talent is a big loss to any side.

Michael McGinty had an important hand in Donegal's second half goal.


McAnespies then took the lead. McGourty pointed and followed with a goal after being fed by Conor Murray; Neil Donaghy had won the possession. More yellow cards were issued, Conor Rafferty and Tiernan Diamond were cautioned, Rafferty and his marker, Hands, seemed to be constantly in push and shove mode. Lafferty drew Donegal level with a point and McGourty made sure McAnespies went into the break a point up, 1-5 to 0-7.

The second half continued at the same high energy tempo as the first. Tony McClelland did well at center back from McAnespies and for Donegal, O’Loughlin took a more forward position on the edge of the square. Lafferty drew the sides level with a point, then Malin native Brian Kelly joined the ranks of the sinners as he was shown the eighth yellow of the game. Two Donegal points, one by Lafferty and the other from Rafferty, were sandwiched by scores from Colm McCrory and CJ McGourty. With about ten minutes to go the sides were level. Paddy Kelly then hit the goal that in the end decided the game. McGinty won the ball in the middle of the field and a long pass found Kelly who rounded the keeper and blasted home. McGourty narrowed the deficit to two points, but Donegal drove home their advantage in the final minutes. A point from Kelly, two more from O’Loughlin and a Lafferty free made it a five point game. Luke Sweetman and McGourty narrowed the gap to a goal in the waning minutes, but Donegal held on. The win rekindles some hope for Donegal of making the playoffs, regardless of the circumstances the Tír Chonaill men will take great satisfaction from the win.

Macs: S. Connolly, D. Wylie, M. Boyne, C. O’Sullivan, T. McClelland, D. Tobin (0-1), N. Donaghy (0-1), B. McGarr, C. Murray, C. McCrory (0-1), T. Diamond, CJ McGourty (1-5), T. Corrigan (0-2). Sub, L. Sweetman (0-1). Donegal: M. Boyle, T. McGuire, N. Collins, D. Granagh, N. Gurley, K. Lillis, M. McGinty, J. O’Loughlin (0-4), C. Rafferty (0-2), S. Burke B. Lafferty (0-6), B. Kelly, P. Kelly (1-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

July 11 - Senior Football: Donegal v Galway

Donegal 1-11 Galway 0-5

Donegal left it until the second half to take this game by the scruff of the neck. Having played second fiddle to Galway for most of the first half, Donegal awoke in the second and played something like they would have expected of themselves. Going into the break level, Donegal came out and started the second half with purpose and ended up comfortable nine point victors.

Jamie Keogh tries to contain Donegal's Collie Carr.


Galway had Donegal on the ropes early. The Tribesmen moved the ball well with some smooth passing forays and went up a deserved four points to no score after 20 minutes. Danny Reddin opened the scoring with a point, and Gearoid O’Connor, who had just played an hour of hurling in very hot conditions, followed with a fine score. Galway squandered a handful of opportunites as Donegal were not in the game at all. After Conrad O’Reilly put Galway three up, Jarlath McGeeney made it four with a blast from close range that in truth could have easily gone under the bar for a goal. With Donegal offering little in the way of opposition, their mentors must have been at a loss to figure out what was not working. Eventually Conor Rafferty pointed on 24 minutes and the score seemed to open the sluice gates for the northerners. Rafferty followed with another and Brian Lafferty put two over before the signal for the break to even the scores. Donegal will have been the happier of the two sides given the dominance of Galway for the first 20 minutes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas McGuire comes out of defence for Donegal as referee John Fitzpatrick keeps and eye on things.
 
 
Donegal woke up in the second half, and right from the throw in Paddy Kelly buried their first chance. With Kieran Lellis and Sean Burke working harder in midfield, and Rafferty and Kelly finally showing their pedigree, Donegal took the game by the scruff of the neck and started picking off the points. Rafferty and Lafferty added a point each as Donegal took a more direct route to goal in finding the dangermen with early balls. After Ger McArdle and Conor McAlary traded points Galway’s second half woes were underlined with Danny Reddin missing a close range free from the 21. Donegal put the final five points of the game over the bar without reply. Donegal will have been happy with the second half performance, but the overall performance seemed to lack consistency. A win for Galway would have been a major upset, nevertheless the westerners will have been disappointed that their second half performance came nowhere close to that of the first.
 
Donegal: M. Boyle, T. McGuire, N. Gurhy, D. Graham, G. Reddin, D. McGowan, S. Burke, K. Lellis, C. Carr, C. Rafferty (0-5), K. Curran, P. Kelly (1-0), B. Lafferty (0-4). Subs: C. McAlary (0-1), D. Meehan (0-1). Galway: A. Reddy, P. Cummins, S. Melia, S. Gallagher, M. Normile, J. Keogh, G. McArdle (0-1), N. Kilcoyne, P. Hackett, J. McGeeney (0-1), G. O’Connor (0-1), C. O’Reilly (0-1) D. Reddin (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Gaelicsportscast with Denis O'Brien

Listen to the run down from Independence Day weekend with Denis O'Brien.

July 3 - Senior Football: Christopher's v Donegal

Christopher’s 4-9 Donegal 1-11

Crossmolina is back in the Christopher’s fold. When the chips were down it was Sean Kelly and Christopher’s who came through in a game that both sides needed badly to challenge for a place in the senior football playoffs.

Christy Aylward comes out of defence for Christopher's as Brian Lafferty tries to contain.

Christopher’s blew hot and cold in the first half, while once Donegal settled down, the northerners played more consistent football. The game opened with Christopher’s corner forward, Cathal McNally, pointing a free and shortly afterwards finishing a good move with another point from play. In the eighth minute McNally brilliantly kept an Alan Moloney shot from going wide and turned inside his man to bury the ball. Christopher’s 1-2, Donegal no score. Donegal settled however. Conor McLarney pointed a free, and Conor Rafferty followed with two more from corner forward. Now Christopher’s were turning the ball over very easily coming out of defence, and Donegal looked like they had their act together with Gerard Reddin looking comfortable at center back with his duties of keeping Kelly quiet, and Donegal picking up the breaks in the middle of the field.

McNally proved his worth at just the right time however. Showing quick reactions, the Kildare man fisted a Keith Scally shot, that that dropped short, into the net, to relieve the pressure on Christopher’s. John O’Loughlin pointed for Donegal, while Alan Moloney sent a lovely shot over in response. Cooley Kickhams own Conor Rafferty sent a free over the bar for Donegal to leave the Tír Chonaill men in with a shout at the break. Christopher’s 2-3, Donegal 0-5.

Donegal's Hugh McGinn tries to get around Noel Ryan as referee Nobby Walsh keeps a close eye.

Donegal came out in the second half and turned the tables by the time the half was 10 minutes old. Points came from Colm McLarney, a lovely left footed effort from Louth native Rafferty, and another Rafferty free. With Christopher’s defence under tremendous pressure Noel Ryan did well on several occasions to keep Donegal from totally overrunning the Christopher’s back line. O’Loughlin was motoring in the middle for Donegal, and a great ball from Brian Lafferty found Thomas Caldwell who fired home to put Donegal into a two point lead. Donegal, however, failed to keep the foot on the gas. With Christopher’s reeling, the northerners wasted a couple of chances to extend their new-found lead. Enter Christopher’s center forward, Kelly. Having had a quiet first 45 minutes, Kelly finished a well worked effort to bring Christopher’s within a point and a minute later leveled the game with a well taken point. Donegal then committed suicide as a careless pass coming out of defence resulted in a Christopher’s goal. Alan Moloney provided the finish. Christopher’s back on top.

Having had the momentum and seen it taken away, Donegal continued to shoot poorly and waste chances. Rafferty pointed a free, but Christopher’s answered with two. Moloney put another lovely shot over the bar, and Kelly finished a move that began with Ciaran McDonald bolting out of defence and setting up the score. A fourth goal sealed the deal for Christopher’s, and McNally completed his hat trick. Substitute Dave Ward played a good ball to McNally who fisted past the outcoming keeper. Having now lost three games, Donegal’s chances of making the senior playoffs hang by a thread, and a game against Aiden McAnespies is still to come. Having failed to do so last Sunday, Christopher’s closed the deal this week and are back on track.

Christopher’s: P. Kenneally, N. Ryan, C. McDonald, C. Aylward, B. McNally, B. Kelly, D. Kenneally, S. O’Hare, A. Moloney (1-2), S. Kelly (0-4), J. Kenneally, K. Scally, C. McNally (3-2). Donegal: M. Boyle, T. Maguire, N. Collins, D. Granagh, G. Reddin, D. McGowan, J. O’Loughlin (0-1), K. Lellis, C. Mclarney (0-2), K. Curran, B. Lafferty, C. Rafferty (0-7), H. McGinn. Sub, T. Caldwell (1-0), C. Corr (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Donegal v Armagh-Notre Dame - May 30

Donegal 3-14 Armagh-Notre Dame 1-2

Armagh-Notre Dame had the misfortune of opening their championship season against a very strong looking Donegal side. The game was a lopsided affair with Donegal keeping Armagh-Notre Dame scoreless for the first 30 minutes, while racking up a total of 1-7. It could have been more as Dean Burke made one tremendous save in the first half and saved a penalty kick. For Donegal it turned out to be an exercise in laying a claim for places, and it looks like the green and gold of the northwest could well be figuring in late August.

Darren McGowan plays the ball out of defence.

Donegal opened up with a goal right from the get go from wing forward, Brian Lafferty. Lafferty was a constant threat coming down Armagh’s left flank and tagged a couple of nicely taken points during the first half. It was all one way traffic and Armagh-Notre Dame scarcely managed a shot at goal. Stephen Dineen and Dominic Magill competed well in an effort to turn the tide for the men in orange and white, but Donegal were not for turning. The onslaught continued as Paddy Kelly swung into action and pointed four times before half time.

The Orchard County side got themselves on the scoreboard in the second half. Donal Byrne and Sean Butler each pointed, and Byrne goaled later in the game. However, it made as much difference to the final outcome as a BP effort to plug an oil leak. The scores kept gushing for Donegal. Peter Witherow looked impressive coming out of defence, Lafferty and Kelly pointed four times between them in the second period, while goals came from Kelly and John Lynch who stole forward from wing back. Stalwarts Kevin Curran and Michael McGinty also each pointed before all was said and done. It was an impressive outing for Donegal, and Armagh-Notre Dame will be looking for better things in their next outing.

Paddy Kelly was in good form for Donegal.

Donegal: B. Fitzpatrick, D. McGowan, J. Lynch (1-0), G. Reddin, P. Witherow, M. McGinty (0-1), T. Caldwell (0-1), B. Lafferty (1-4), E. Doonan (0-1), K. Curran (0-1), B. Kelly (0-1), P. Kelly (1-5). Armagh-ND: D. Burke, M. Graham, A. Doyle, F. Meehan, J. McCormack, D. Fields, C. Woods, S. Dineen, D. Maguire, D. Byrne (1-1), F. McClelland, D. Magill, G. Hall. Sub: S. Butler (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Championship Begins

The championship season opened in Canton on a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend. There were perfect sporting conditions, with sunny skies and light breeze. Ten teams took the field for the first games of the senior football championship. There were wins for Wolfe Tones, Connemara Gaels, Aiden McAnespies, Donegal, and the Shannon Blues. Donegal and Shannon Blues looked strong in their wins over Armagh-Notre Dame and Kerry respectively, while Mayo and Galway fell by a single point each to McAnespies and the Gaels. Reports to follow...

Championship Begins

Since the last post, Aiden McAnespies clamined the first silverware of the 2010 season by winning the Pat O'Brien Cup. The chamionship begins this Sunday with 5 senior football games on the schedule.

12:00 Cork v Wolfe Tones
1:15 Connemara Gaels v Galway
2:30 Aiden McAnespies v Mayo
3:45 Armagh-Notre Dame v Donegal
5:00 Kerry v Shannon Blues

Recently I had a little chat with Denis O'Brien, a former press box colleague, with some reflection on last season and looking forward to the coming one. Click on the link below and then hit play to listen.

http://www.gaelicsportscast.com/2010/05/25/60-boston-championship-preview/

Pat O'Brien Cup

The Pat O'Brien Cup final will be contested between Kerry and Aiden McAnespies. Kerry defeated Armagh-Notre Dame by 5 points in today's semi-final, while McAnespies defeated Donegal by a single point in a closely fought contest.

Tipperary defeated Fr. Tom Burkes by 1-22 to 1-14 in the Sheehan Cup.

Cup Competitions

Last Sunday Donegal beat Galway in the Pat O'Brien Cup quarter final.

Next week sees the cup semi-finals between Aiden McAnespies and Donegal at 1:30 and Kerry v Armagh-Notre Dame at 4:00pm.

The Kieran Sheehan Cup in hurling begins with Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burkes at 2:45.

I will start posting reports once the championships begin on May 30.

Pat O'Brien Cup - First Round

The first round of the Pat O'Brien Cup was played last Sunday. I was taking a break in the White Mountains of New Hampshire - so unfortunately I do not have any reports. However, I did get the results.

Kerry defeated Cork after extra time, Armagh-Notre Dame beat Mayo by one point, and Aiden McAnespies beat the New England Celtics. McAnespies are though to the semi-final as theirs was a quarter final game.

Next Sunday's quarter finals will feature Shannon Blues v Armagh-Notre Dame and the Connemara Gaels v Kerry. Galway will play Wolfe Tones in a first round game that was postponed, and Donegal will have to wait another week to play the winners in the last quarter final game.

Boston Selection

The Boston selection to play New York Saturday afternoon is as follows: Paudie Kenneally, Dan Kenneally, (Christopher's); Kieran Cox, Tom Sally McDonagh, Pat McNicholas, Colman Mulkerrins (Connemara Gaels); Mike Moynihan, Julian Leonard (Cork); Donal McNulty, Kevin Curran, Paddy Kelly, Brian Lafferty, John Lynch, Thomas Maguire (Donegal); Robbie Croft, Thomas Dennehy (Kerry); Michael Carolan (Mayo); Colm McCrory, Neil Donaghy, Tony McClellan, Dermot McCrudden (Aidan McAnespies); Simon Sinnott (Shannon Blues); Marty Farrell, Derek Scullane, Michael Crillie (Wolfe Tones).

Junior A Football Final

Junior Football Final

Donegal 1-7 McAnespies 2-7

Shane Lynn tries to stop Donegal's Thomas Caldwell.

McAnespies regained the Junior A football championship title in a scrappy affair that could have gone either way. After a tight first half, a goal each from Shane Lynn and Colin Clarke mid-way though the second provided McAnespies with a lead that Donegal could not overturn. Donegal seemed to be playing the slightly better football, but once McAnespies took the lead, the northerners found their groove and made sure there would be no comeback for Donegal.

Donegal held a slight advantage at the end of a scrappy first half. The previous day’s rain had made the surface a little greasy, but the field looked in good condition considering. The sides traded scores to open the half, and the game began to take shape. Defences were on top as efforts from both sides at creating something fell short, and when shooting opportunities presented themselves, the shot was usually wayward. Jonathan Byrne and David Bell each pointed well to put Donegal two points to the good. McAnespies got back into the game and added to their tally through Kieran Leonard. David Bell canceled out the score , and each player did likewise before the end of the half. Donegal led by two points, 0-5 to 0-3 at the half.

Kieran Leonard bursts through as Paul Boyce moves to intercept.

The second half started as the first did, the sides traded scores. Paul Boyce made the most of a goalmouth scramble to force the ball over the bar, and Leonard answered for McAnespies with a well worked point from the kickout. Both sides continued to give the ball away and were error prone when in possession. McAnespies hit Donegal with a double blow mid way through the half as the northerners finally found their stride. The first goal came from Shane Lynn. Lynn got on the end of rebound off the post and finished from close range. Eugene McKenna added a point and McAnespies began to look like they had found their groove. The second goal was a well worked score, Peadar Nugent and McKenna found each other and then Nugent passed to the incoming Colin Clarke whose finish was perfectly placed into the bottom right hand corner. McAnespies now led by five points. Donegal hit back shortly afterwards with a fine goal of their own. Paul Boyce finished high to the near corner, and with less then 10 minutes to go it was game on again. Paddy McCusker and Thomas Caldwell traded points and heading into the final sequence McAnespies held a dangerous two point lead. Donegal pressed forward in search of the score that would save the game for them, but McAnespies defenders shut the door. Eugene McKenna, who came back after a broken jaw earlier in the year, put a sideline over the bar for the final score of the game, and McAnespies regain the junior football title.

Donegal: C. Murphy, P. McNulty, R. Porter, F. Grenaghan, E. Doonan, C. McGee, J. Byrne (0-1), T. Caldwell (0-1), J. Deery, E. McCarney, P. Boyce (1-1), D. Bell (0-4), C. Rush. Macs: N. Duffy, N. Clancy, C. Traynor, G. Hennessey, P. McCusker (0-1), C. O’Hanlon, S. Lynn (1-0), C. Clarke (1-0), P. Nugent, M. Allen, S. McGettigan, K. Leonard (0-4), E. McCusker. E. McKenna (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell