Down by as many as five and most off the second stanza by four on Sunday, the Donegal NY Intermediate team clawed back on strength of a fisted goal from CJ Molloy (scion of the Ardara Molloy clan), followed by a solid CJ strike to the net from the 21 on a free to level the sides with 1 minute 33 seconds on the clock, and capped with 3 seconds remaining by a CJ free from the 45 to top Monaghan 2-10 to 0-15. Certainly the Man of the Match!
The very physical encounter leaves the Tir Conaill lads firmly atop the table and waiting to meet the winner of a Monaghan v Long Island Gaels fourth place playoff for a NY Semi-Final clash on 2nd September. Molloys heroics were aided and abetted by brilliant saves from goalkeeper Brian Culllinan, who also consistently booted his kickouts over mid-field.
Assistant Managers Denis Shannon and James McFadden (also the strength and conditioning coach) made Bainisteoir Pat McGill’s work easier on the day as Donegal were able to introduce the fresh legs of several subs to carry through the second half. With momentum carrying them toward a NY crown and promotion back to Senior ranks, the Donegal panel are also hoping some of Sunday’s “magic” will carry over to Croke Park next Sunday to aid the “home team” in their All-Ireland Semi-Final endeavour.
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