Ballyshannon book place in county final

Under 14 Championship county semi-final
26 September 2009
Aodh Ruadh 4-4
Saint Eunan's 0-13
Peter Campbell reports from MacCumhaill park.

In a game that Saint Eunan's were dominant in the opening half, goals proved the difference as Aodh Ruadh took control in the second period to book a final spot.

The winners had a goal on the scoreboard inside 10 seconds but then failed to raise any flag until the 28th minute of the half.

In between Saint Eunan's dominated to lead by 0-8 to 1-0, but a late flurry from the Ballyshannon men saw them get another 1-1 in a minute to unbelievably leave just a point between the sides at the break - 0-8 to 2-1.

Johnny Gethins had the opening goal for Aodh Ruadh, latching on to a James Kelly centre and Gethins beat Eunan's keeper, Jordan McBride, to the touch.

But then Eunan's took a grip with Sean Hume hitting six frees and Conor McEniff hitting two from play.

But in the closing minutes of the half David McGurrin hit a point before Pauric Patton went on a mazy run through the Eunan's defence to find the net for a spectacular goal.

Within two minutes of the restart a much-improved Aodh Ruadh were on terms through a McGurrin frere and they went three clear on 36 minutes when Johnny Gethins got on the end of a McGurrin free to fist to the net (although he must have been close to being inside the square).

David Tyrell pulled a great point back for Saint Eunan's before Aodh Ruadh struck for another goal and point inside a two minute, which should have been two goals.

Firstly Pauric Patton got on the end of a McGurrin pass to flick to the net and then James Kelly broke through only to pull his shot just over the crossbar with eleven minutes left.

The lead was now out to five points, the same as it had been for Eunan's just prior to half-time, but the Letterkenny boys responded well with a point from Michael Miller and a free from Sean Hume pulled the margin back to three.

Patrick Dixon eased Aodh Ruadh worries with two minutes left as both sides had big calls for frees waved away by a lenient Joe O'Donnell.

Two minutes into added time Sean Hume had the final point for Saint Eunan's but despite outscoring their opponents by 13 score to eight, they had to settle for second best.

In truth, Eunan's deserved more out of the game with Sean Hume outstanding with nine points while Oisin Carr, David Tyrell, Conor O'Donnell, Barry McGeehin, Evan O'Sullivan and Conor McEniff all gave their all.

For Aodh Ruadh Pauric Patton was the difference as he got the big scores at the vital times. Eamon McGrath, after a shaky start, Paddy Gillespie, Niall Harley, James Kelly, David McGurrin and Johnny Gethins all did well.

Vital Statistics
Teams
Aodh Ruadh Daniel Kelly; Matthew Maguire, Eamon McGrath, Paddy Gillespie; Darren Gethins, Colm Kelly, Niall Harley; James Kelly (0-1), Pauric Patton (2-0); Jamie McDonald, David McGurrin (0-2,1f), Matthew Gethins; Conor Gilmartin, Johnny Gethins (2-0), Paddy Dixon (0-1). Substitute: Philip Patton for Gilmartin 37.
Saint Eunan's Jordan McBride; Brian Hannigan, Conor O'Donnell, Conor O'Boyle; David Tyrell (0-1), Oisin Carr, Thomas Grant; Sean Hume (0-9,8f), Christopher Flanagan; Owen Barrett, Barry McGeehin, Evan O'Sullivan; Kevin O'Donnell, Conor McEniff (0-2), Daniel Gillespie. Substitutes: Conor Morrison for Gillespie ht; Michael Miller (0-1) for K O'Donnell 41; John Russell for Flanagan 54.
Referee: Joe O'Donnell (Convoy).

Report courtesy of Donegal Democrat. Report Filed: 5 October 2009