THE DONEGAL LEAGUE’S run to the semi-finals of the Oscar Traynor Cup was hailed on Monday night as showing the calibre of the local game.
The Brian Dorrian-managed team were beaten 3-1 by Clare District League in Ennis back in April as their bid to become the first Donegal League representatives to make the final since 1983 came to an end.
A brace by Eoin Hayes, the second of them a penalty, came after Stephen Kelly’s early opener was cancelled out by Donegal’s Damien Crossan.
It was a day when the dream died, but for those in attendance it heightened the possibilities.
“The Oscar Traynor journey was great to be a part of,” said Donegal League PRO Gary Foy.
“It was very well organised. There was great camaradarie between the players and the management. It has been building up and Brian hit the nail on the head with it this year. Brian did an immense job.
“To see supporters in Ennis gave us great heart. It gave a great boost to the players and the run to the semi-final really showcased the League in a good way.
“The League is in a very good place with the standard as the Oscar Traynor team showed.”
In the group stages, Donegal defeated Cavan-Monaghan 5-0 and Sligo-Leitrim 5-2, in between losing 2-1 to Inishowen, the defending champions, who also came unstuck at the semi-final phase against Leinster Senior League.
In January, Donegal League overcame United Churches League 3-2 in Drumoghill with Chris Malseed, Kyle Black and Ryan Gildea scoring to fire them into the quarter-finals.
In the last eight tie, a goal from Black earned Donegal a penalty shoot-out and Joe Coll emerged as the hero as they defeated North Eastern Football League 6-5 on penalties to reach the last four.
League Secretary Jimmy Haughey added: “The Oscar Traynor team reaching the semi-finals was a remarkable achievement. Congratulations to Brian, his backroom team and the players.”
