By Charlie Collins
Donegal 2-12 v 2-06 Roscommon
The newly revamped Fr. Tierney Park in Ballyshannon hosted its first senior inter-county game in almost four years as Donegal faced Roscommon in a challenge game. The game was of course also Jim McGuinness’s first in charge since his return as Donegal manager and created much interest as he named a strong starting to begin his second coming.
A share of the proceeds of this well attended matchup was donated to the North-West Hospice. The new pitch was in super condition but unfortunately weather conditions were far from ideal with a strong breeze blowing from the hospital end and rain a constant.
Playing with the wind Donegal led 0-03 to 0-01 after ten minutes, a 45 and Mark from Oisin Gallen and one from play from Shane O Donnell, Diarmuid Murtagh converted a free for the visitors. Aaron Doherty added Donegal’s fourth with a super long range effort from near the touch line. After a scoreless period Murtagh added his second free and after 25 minutes but Oisin Gallen immediately replied with a super score off his left foot, 0-05 to 0-02.
Peadar Mogan tapped over a sixth Donegal point, keeper Conor Carroll had denied Eoghan Ban Gallagher with a save when a goal looked on. Conor Cox had a similar chance at the other end but blasted wide. Oisin Gallen kicked another free, his fourth point and followed that with one from 45 yards for his fifth and with the final kick of the first-half Aaron Doherty converted his second point from a free. Donegal led by 0-09 to 0-02 at half-time.
Cox and Murtagh added early second half points for Roscommon, Oisin Caulfield replied for Donegal and then Cox goaled to leave just three in it but in their next attack Donegal also scored a goal, Jamie Brennan finishing when Gallen put him through, 1-10 to 1-04.
Both teams became using the bench at this period but the pace didn’t suffer and given the conditions. Murtagh and Cox added points from frees and Peadar Mogan replied with an excellent score, 1-12 to 1-06.
As we entered the last five minutes Roscommon were awarded a penalty which Murtagh converted, just three in it again, 1-12 to 2-06. Sub Ronan Finn put the icing on the cake for Donegal as he was sent clear as Roscommon pushed everyone forward including keeper Carroll and Finn goaled to seal the victory.
Donegal: Shaun Patton, Mark Curran, Brendan McCole, Kevin McGettigan, Peadar Mogan (0-02), Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Ciaran Moore, Oisin Caulfield (0-01), Michael Langan, Shane O Donnell (0-2), Odhran Doherty, Daire Boaill, Aaron Doherty (0-2) Oisin Gallen (0-05), Jamie Brennan (1-00). Subs used: Ronan Finn (1-00), Jeaic McKelvey, Sean Martin, Senan Carr, John Ross Molloy, Rory O Donnell, Philip Doherty.
