By Charlie Collins
Naomh Conaill 1-06 v 0-10 Glen
Emmet Bradley’s excellent point with the last kick of the game sent reigning Ulster champions Glen from Derry through to another final and broke the hearts of Donegal champions Naomh Conaill.
Both teams were somewhat disappointed with their quarter-final performances and knew that to win this one improvement would be required. Glen as reigning Ulster champions started as favourites but knew that the Donegal champions would present strong opponents.
Surprisingly, the game was played in front of a small attendance, live TV plus the cold evening perhaps effecting the neutral’s interest in coming to Healy Park. The teams mirrored tactics in the early stages, getting everyone behind the ball and the opening fifteen minutes produced just three points, all from Glen, two from Conleith McGuckian and a cracker from Cathal Mulholland.
McGuckian added his third, another super effort from an acute angle and Glen on top, four points to no score ahead. But as they do Naomh Conaill responded well when they looked in trouble and they fired over three points in a row, all excellent scores, two from Ciaran Thompson and in between those one from Ethan O Donnell, 0-04 to 0-03.
Glen had the final say of the half in the 32nd minute, sub Joey McDermott kicking a fine score to leave two in it at the break, 0-05 to 0-3 to the Derry champions but Naomh Conaill very much back in the contest.
Three minutes into the second-half the Donegal men were ahead when John O Malley blasted home a penalty, awarded after A J Gallagher had been fouled going for Anthony Thompson’s high dropping ball, 1-03 to 0-05.
Back came Glen, Cathal Mulholland with his second from play and then Emmet Bradley’s free had them back in front, 0-07 to 1-03 in the 40th minute.
Seven minutes later they were level again, a super effort from the trusty left foot of Brendan McDyer for 40 metres out. It was another seven minutes before the next score arrived, Emmet Bradley’s free from an acute angle putting Glen ahead again, 0-08 to 1-04, in this tight contest.
Back came Naomh Conaill and Ciaran Thompson kicked another outstanding point to level it again, only for Stevie O Hara to edge Glen ahead but in a frantic finish A J Gallagher fisted point levelled it up at 1-06 to 0-09, but Emmet Bradley had the last say with the final score from distance to win it for Glen, 0-10 to 1-06 and heartbreak for Naomh Conaill
Naomh Conaill: Stephen McGrath, Eoin Waide, AJ Gallagher (0-01), Ultan Doherty, Kevin McGettigan, Anthony Thompson, Ethan O’Donnell (0-01 ), Leo McLoone, Ciaran Thompson (0-03), Brendan McDyer (0-01), Odhrán Doherty, Eunan Doherty, Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí, Charlie McGuinness, John O’Malley (1-00) . Subs: Keelin McGill for O Malley (51mins).
Glen: Conlan Bradley, Michael Warnock, Ryan Dougan, Connor Carville, Eunan Mulholland, Ciaran McFaul, Cathal Mulholland (0-02), Conor Glass, Emmett Bradley (0-03), Ethan Doherty, Danny McDermott, Tiernan Flanagan, Danny Tallon, Conleth McGuckian (0-03). Subs: Joey McDermott (0-01), Stevie O Hara (0-01).
