Naomh Padraig Muff 1-11 v 1-04 Collegeland (Armagh)
By Charlie Collins
The Donegal champions got off to a flying start in this Ulster Junior Championship semi-final in Healy Park, Omagh against the Armagh champions Collegeland.
They raced to a six point lead after 18 minutes. Four of those came in the opening seven minutes from Johnny Toye with two and one each from Cormac McColgan and Rory Hirrell.
As their opponents struggled to get a foot in the game the Donegal men added two more through Oisin McIntyre and Kevin Doherty’s free to lead by 0-06 to no score after 18 minutes. They then created a great goal chance when Oisin McIntyre and Eunan Mullan but keeper Brady saved well to deny the latter.
Naomh Padraig failed to score for the rest of the half while Collegeland finally opened their account in the 26th minute with a Jason Kelly to leave five points between them at halftime.
The Muff men got off to a great start to the second-half with points from Ronan Hoy and Cormac McColgan , Keelan McQuaid replied but just after introducing Caolan McColgan Naomh Padraig scored a goal when Drew McKinney flicked Jonathan Toye’s free-kick to the net, 1-08 to 0-03 and Muff in control.
Cormac McColgan added his third point with an excellent effort and with fifteen minutes remaining the Ulster Final beckoned for the Inishowen men. Keelan McQuaid goaled to give Collegeland some hope but Rory Hirrell quickly added two points to widen the lead to eight points.
Collegeland got the final point but it was too little too late.
Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin: Oran McCauley, Cormac Kelly, Caolan Harkin, Darragh McIntyre, Michael McCarron, Jonathan Toye (0-02), Jason McCallion, Eunan Mullan, Cormac McColgan (0-03), Oisin McIntyre (0-01), Kevin Doherty (0-01), Rory Hirrell (0-03), Joe McCauley, Drew McKinney (1-00), Ronan Hoy (0-01). Subs used: Caolan McColgan, Cathal McColgan, Andrew McCarron, Dermot Keaveney.
