By Charlie Collins
Naomh Conaill 1-16 v 1-08 Gweedore
Naomh Conaill retained their senior title with a hugely impressive performance, dominating the final from start to finish.
John O Malley converted two early and then Odhran Doherty, Brendan McDyer, and Anthony Thompson kicked three excellent points from play as Naomh raced to a five point lead in the opening ten minutes.
Micheal Roarty finally got the scoreboard going for Gweedore in the 12th minute but very quickly Jeaic MacCeallabhui and two from Ciaran Thompson, all from play, had Naomh Conaill 0-08 to 0-01 ahead and in cruise control.
Ultan Doherty fisted over their ninth point, Daire O Baoill kicked Gweedore’s second in a rare attack and their cause wasn’t helped when Cian McEntee was received a black card just before half-time for a foul on Ethan O Donnell off the ball.
Naomh Conaill led 0-09 to 0-02 at the break.
Micheal Carroll’s free got the second-half scoring underway but Ciaran Thompson’s third point got his team to double figures very quickly, 0-10 to 0-03.
Ethan Harkin converted a free but points from Charles McGuinness, John O Malley, and Jeaic MacCeallabhui made it 0-13 to 0-04.
Man of the Match Ethan O Donnell then set up Charles McGuinness to fist to the net and then McGuinness and Eunan Doherty and Keelin McGill kicked points, 1-15 to 0-05. Sub Fergal Delaney got a goal, Ciaran Gillespie and Neasan McBride with points replied for Gweedore but Naomh Conaill ran out easy and impressive winners to retain their senior championship title.
Naomh Conaill: Stephen McGrath; Jason Campbell, AJ Gallagher, Ultan Doherty (0-01), Kevin McGettigan, Anthony Thompson (0-01), Ethan O’Donnell; Leo McLoone, Ciaran Thompson (0-03), Brendan McDyer, (0-01), Odhran Doherty (0-01) Eunan Doherty (0-01), Jeaic Mac Ceallabhui (0-02), Charlie McGuinness (1-02), John O’Malley (0-03). Subs: Eoin Waide for Campbell (44mins), Keelin McGill (0-01) for McDyer (51mins), Logan Quinn for McGettigan (55mins), Shane McDevitt for MacCeallabhui (56mins).
Gaoth Dobhair: Daithi Roberts; Aodán Bhreathnach, Neil McGee, Gary McFadden, Niall Friel, Eamonn McGee, Micheal Roarty (0-01), Daire O Baoill ( 0-01), Domhnaill Mac Giolla Bhríde, Micheal Carroll (0-03), Odhran Mac Niallais, James ó Baoill; Ethan Harkin (0-01), Shane Ferry, Cian McEntee. Subs: Stefan Donna McFadden for Shane Ferry (h/t), Ciaran Gillespie 0-01 for McEntee (40mins), Cathal de Burca and Neasan McBride 0-01 for Roarty and James O Baoill, Fergal Delaney (1-00) for Breathnach (55mins).
