Michael Murphy Sport and Leisure Donegal SFC final: Naomh Conaill 1-9 St Eunan’s 2-5
Ciaran Thompson was the hero for Naomh Conaill as late free gave the Glenties a one-point victory over holders St Eunan’s in Saturday’s Donegal SFC final at Ballybofey.
However, the turning point of the game was a controversial red card issued to St Eunan’s attacker Shane O’Donnell on the cusp of half-time.
The 2021 champions were leading 1-3 to 0-4 at the break thanks to Eoin McGeehin’s goal, but they suffered a hammer blow when Donegal ace O’Donnell was dismissed for his part in a melee before the interval.
Read more: 2023 All-Ireland SFC draws RECAP as Ulster champions Derry are pitted against Fermanagh
After speaking with his umpires and the assistant referee, Dorrian brandished a red card to O’Donnell after clashing with Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí.
Television replays indicated that the decision appeared harsh and the 14 men surrendered their lead in the second half.
Rory Kavanagh’s men failed to score for the opening 10 minutes of the game, but McGeehin’s goal was their first score after Brendan McDyer and Mac Ceallabhuí had given Glenties the early lead.
The holders kept their noses in front for the remainder of a keenly-contested half, but Naomh Conaill, playing in their six consecutive Donegal SFC final, shaded the second half.
A well-taken goal from Charlie McGuinnes was cancelled out when St Eunan’s midfielder Kevin Kealy found the net 10 minutes from time.
Thompson’s free on 58 minutes would prove to be the final score of the contest as St Eunan’s failed to break down a resolute Glenties defence in the closing minutes as Martin Regan’s men regained the Dr Magure Cup.
After winning a third Donegal title in four seasons, Naomh Conaill now face Antrim champions Cargin in the quarter-final of the Ulster Club series next month.
The game is expected to be played at Corrigan Park on the weekend of November 12/13.
Naomh Conaill scorers: Ciaran Thompson 0-4 (0-3fs), Charlie McGuinness 1-1, Brendan McDyer 0-3, Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí 0- .
St Eunan’s scorers : Kevin Kealy 1-0, Eoin McGeehin 1-0, Niall O’Donnell 0-2 (0-1f), Sean McVeigh 0-1, Conor Morrison 0-1.
READ NEXT:
Aaron O'Neill tributes paid after sudden death of Armagh GAA 'super fan'
- Neil McManus hoping to be reunited with ‘Big Ears’ Cup after Antrim SHC showdown with Dunloy
Brighter days ahead for Enniskillen Gaels insists Simon Bradley
- Ronan Devlin hails Cargin's belief after exhilarating Antrim SFC final victory
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
