BUNDORAN ARE THROUGH TO the All Sports Donegal Intermediate Football Championship final after a narrow win over Aodh Ruadh in a derby semi-final at Tir Chonaill Park.
Aodh Ruadh 2-07 Bundoran 1-11
Jamie Brennan will be the toast of Gaelic Park after he conjoured up a winner in added time as Brian Gavigan’s side came from behind to win it.
Seamus Kane and David McGurrin hit goals in a lethal period for Aodh Ruadh in the first half, but the Ballyshannon outfit scored just two points in the second half and it’s Bundoran who move into the final.
The neighbours looked set for another visit for a replay, but two minutes into added time, Brennan turned onto his right foot and, off his less-trusted boot, fired over.
Both teams had their moments in the first half, but it was in that three-and-a-half minute golden spell where Aodh Ruadh made hay.
Brennan’s 11th minute goal had Bundoran 1-4 to 0-4 in front on 20 minutes, but Aodh Ruadh turned the tables.
First, Kane superbly beat full-back James Keaney close to the end line. Kane cut back inside and, with a magnificent swing of the left boot, he fired past James Keenan and into the far corner.
The Ballyshannon man had a second goal before Bundoran even had time to digest Kane’s three-pointer.
Diarmuid McInerney attemped a point from a free and as his effort seemed to be drifting wide it was kept in play by Philip Patton’s punch. It fell invitingly for McGurrin, who miscontrolled first time, but made no mistake the second time round as he finished in a flash on the ground.
McInerney’s free put Aodh Ruadh 2-5 to 1-4 ahead at the short whistle.
Brennan’s goal had threatened to write a different narrative. The Donegal Under-21 player smashed to the net after he got on the end of a dropping ball in from Gary Clancy.
Brennan turned his man and blasted past Peter Boyle for a goal that leveled the scores after Aodh Ruadh had early points from Kane and McInerney (2).
Shane McGrath and Clancy traded points and Bundoran led for the first time when Tommy Hourihane drilled over after spinnig away from two Aodh Ruadh defenders.
Two from Clancy had Bundoran a goal in front, but Aodh Ruadh’s goals saw them move into the driving seat.
Inch by inch, Bundoran clawed their way back.
Hourihane and Kane swapped points before Niall Dunne took Bundoran to within a goal.
And the Stars of the Sea very nearly raised a green flag. Clancy shot a little too sharply and his shot was blocked. Bundoran retrieved possession and Christy Keaney was presented with a chance, but he fired wide of the far post.
Brennan, Hourihane and Clancy registered to level it up, but Aodh Ruadh may well have had a third goal, but McGurrin drove into the side netting after being ste up by McGrath.
Bundoran were back in front when Hourihane drilled over a free, but Nathan Boyle evened it again after a superb Aodh Ruadh move involving six players.
The game had ‘draw’ etched al over it, but Brennan stepped up to be the hero of the hour.
Bundoran: Johnny Keenan; Diarmuid McCaughey, James Keaney, Pauric Rooney; Shane Moohan, Shane McGowan, Paul Brennan; Ciaran McCaughey, Gary Clancy (0-4, 1f); Peter McGonigle, Diarmuid Spratt, Jamie Brennan (1-2); Tommy Hourihane (0-4, 3f), Christy Keaney, Darragh Hoey. Subs: Johnny Boyle for Moohan (half-time), Niall Dunne (0-1) for Spratt (38), Barry McGowan for Brennan (48, black card).
Aodh Ruadh: Peter Boyle; Mickey Dolan, Johnny Gallagher, Callum O’Halloran; Eamonn McGrath, Conor Patton, Nathan Boyle (0-1); Damien Cleary, Johnny Gethins; David Dolan, Diarmuid McInerney (0-3, 3f), Shane McGrath (0-1); David McGurrin (1-0), Seamus Kane (1-2), Pauric Patton. Subs: Philip Patton for D.Dolan (7), Kerry Ryan for Gethins (25), Michael ‘Sticky’ Ward for McGurrin (49), Niall Harley for O’Halloran (50), Michael Ward for M.Dolan (59).
Referee: Jimmy White (Killybegs).
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