GAEIL FHÁNADA SEALED THEIR place in the semi-finals of the AllSports Donegal town Intermediate Football Championship following a three-point win over Naomh Columba at St Mary’s Park in Convoy this evening.
Gaeil Fhánada 1-13 Naomh Columba 0-13
In the end, seven pointed frees from Seamie ‘Coshia’ Friel proved vital for the team managed by Michael O’Connor, although Naomh Columba certainly didn’t throw in the towel.
With 14 minutes to go, Gaeil Fhánada looked comfortable with a 1-10 to 0-8 lead, only for the Glencolumbcille side to knock over four successive points – through Ryan Gillespie, Pauric Cunningham, Kevin McNern and goalkeeper Paddy Byrne – to make it a one-point game with just six minutes to play.
However, Gaeil Fhánada regained their composure to see out the contest, kicking three of the last four points with Mark Friel (pictured above) rounding off their day’s work.
An even first half ended at 0-6 to 0-6, with Gillespie, who would score five times in all, keeping Naomh Columba in touch.
But after the break, daylight started to appear between the teams as Seamie Friel scored twice at the start of the half and Marty McAteer also pointed.
Then, on 43 minutes, the only goal of the game was a simple one for McAteer, who palmed into an empty net after Seamie Friel snapped onto the loose ball to pass to Marty Friel, who in turn laid off to McAteer.
It was to prove the decisive score.
Gaeil Fhánada: Paul O’Connor; Fergal Friel (0-1), Paddy Heraghty, Frank Sweeney; Mark Friel (0-1), Cathal Martin, Ryan McGonagle; Kevin McElwaine, Shaun McElwaine (0-1); Brian McVeigh, Seamie ‘Coshia’ Friel (0-7, 7f), Ronan McAteer; Joe Blaney, Michael Sweeney (0-2) Marty McAteer (1-1). Sub: Jimmy Coyle for Martin (51), Davitt Walsh for R McAteer (52), Jonathan Friel for M McAteer (57), Conor McGonagle for R McGonagle (58), Niall Carr for McVeigh (60).
Naomh Columba: Paddy Byrne (0-2, 1f); Barr Carr, Ciaran McBrearty, Philip Doherty; Pauric Ward, Michael McGuire, Stephen Jones; Paul Doherty, Christopher Byrne; Martin Cunningham (0-1), Kevin McNern (0-1), Pauric Cunningam (0-2); Ryan Gillespie (0-5, 4f), Philip McNern, Gavin McGinley (0-1). Sub: Ryan McNern (0-1) for G Ginley (50).
Referee: Shaun McLaughlin (Malin).
