Ballyshannon win minor championship
Ernesiders' five picture goals stunned Dungloe
Under 18 A Championship final
Aodh Ruadh 5-5
Dungloe 2-9
3 September 1961
O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny
Donegal Democrat report: Friday 8th September, 1961
Holding an interval lead of 3-1 to 1-4, Ballyshannon scored a merited 5-5 to 2-9 win over widely fancied Dungloe in the minor football final at O'Donnell Park.
This was the Ernesiders' third title in this grade, and their first since 1938. The better balanced team all through, they went into an early lead that they never relinquished throughout the game which had some exciting moments in both halves as Dungloe, in spurts of brilliance, looked like overhauling them in cutting down their lead to winning distance.
As in the senior game. Ballyshannon maintained a big pull at midfieid right through the game. Hereabouts, Jack Grimes mastered all opposition and was particularly brilliant when Dungloe reached their strongest stages of pressure.
Easily the best player afield, his high fielding and physical capacity to change defence into attack, was the most important factor in Ballyshannon's five-point victory over a side that had been rated high following the dethronement of champions, Gaoth Dobhair and MacCumhaill's.
The capacity of the Ballyshannon attack to open wide the Rosses boys' defence became evident in the first quarter of the game during which two goals were conceded.
Around this period, Dungloe introduced a new player, Pat Forker for D. Doherty at full forward, who soon made his presence felt by sending the ball to the net in the 24th minute. At that period, Ballyshannon had an eight points' lead, and seemed set on a big win, but before half time it had been reduced to a goal following some fine work in which centre half forward, Dermot Bonner and midfielder Seamus McGuire played a big hand.
Within two minutes of the resumption, Ballyshannon had shot ahead again with another well taken goal. Although Dungloe challenged their supremacy they failed to score from a penalty which full back, Vincent Lee saved between the Ballyshannon posts, and the Ernesiders weathered the storm, to finish strongly in the end.
BIGGEST TASK
Centre half back and captain of the Ballyshannon side, Padraig McGarrigle, had his biggest task to date in this game, marking Dungloe's Dermot Bonner, one of the most accomplished players of the Rosses side. McGarrigle held his line together well, and his long two-footed clearances and high fielding meant much to his teammates on many occasions.
The champions' defence in general, dove-tailed well with full back Lee, Charlie Murphy. Liam McDaid, Seamus Darcy, and Matt McNulty capably meeting the strong challenge constituted in the accomplished Dungloe attackers Terence and Aloysius Bonner, Aidan Sharkey, Phil McCole and Pat Forker.
The foundation of Ballyshannon's victory was laid by their attack who, except in a period of th second half, made the most of their scoring opportunities. They were the more methodical players, and always seemed to swing the ball about with a purpose.
Eamon Regan was the opportunist of the nour at top of the left, while Declan O'Carroll showed what a brilliant young player he is, although still in juvenile ranks, like Charlie Murphy, Michael McLoone, and Pauric McShea, who operated at top of the right in the first hall and "made" the first goal.
Captain of the victorious De La Salle Schools League team this year, at 14, he must be one of the youngest players ever to appear in a county final. Terence Craig and Seamus McGranaghan, who came on in the second half, contributed much to the side's success, as did Josie Boyle, while at midfieid, Brian McEniff, closely marked bv John Bonner, had a much quieter hour than expected, but got in some telling play.
In goal, Austin Stack brought off a few good saves and could not be faulted for the goals that beat him.
While the Dungloe defence was shown up as the weakest sector of the team, Brian Cannon, Adrian Cannon, and Chas. Green got in an amount of effective work. Dermot Bonner, who moved to midfield for a period, tried desperately hard to swing the game, but the Ballyshannon defence prevailed despite his efforts, well backed by Seamus McGuire, John Bonner and Adrian Cannon.
THE GAME
Dungloe were first to attack, but Darcy cleared the Ballyshannon lines and McLoone sent to McEniff who shot wide. Dermot Bonner had similar luck before McEniff placed Regan whose shot was saved at the expense of a '50.'. This was taken by McEniff, and McShea was fouled in possession, the free by McEniff proving abortive.
Terence Craig was held breaking through and McEniff (free) opened the scoring for Ballyshannon with a point in the 8th minute.
Dermot Bonner was wide at the other end, and then Ballyshannon cut through again, Craig sending to Declan O'Carroll who goaled with a fine shot.
In the 17th minute D. Bonner (free) opened for Dungloe with a point, but in less than a minute, O'Carroll had centred to Josie Boyle who goaled for Ballyshannon. Pat Forker came on for Dungloe at this stage. McGarrigle and Grimes kept Ballyshannon attacking and McShea sent a well-timed cross to Regan, who finished to the net in the 21st minute.
A shot by Declan O'Carroll rebounded off an upright before Cannon sent Dungloe through. Forker was pulled down and Dermot Bonner pointed the free in the 23rd minute.
A minute later, Aloysius Bonner sent the ball to Forker who buried it in the net, and off a 14 yards free, Dermot Bonner pointed. McLoone shot wide at the other end and Dungloe took up the running again for Dermot Bonner to point another free when Forker was fouled. This left the half-time scores: Ballyshannon 3-1 Dungloe 1-4.
STORY OF THE SECOND HALF
Seamus Granaghan came on for Pauric McShea on the Ballyshannon side in the second half, in the second minute of which Granaghan sent in a dangerous cross which Regan converted into another goal. Sharkey and McCole shot wide for Dungloe and Granaghan's shot for Ballyshannon was deflected for a '50' which proved abortive.
Craig was fouled in the 38th minute, and McEniff pointed the free. Dermot Bonner (free) had a similar score at the other end. McEniff shot wide from two frees and then Dungloe had two points, one from Dermot Bonner (free) and Terence Bonner.
In the 46th minute, Dungloe were awarded a penalty which was taken by Dermot Bonner and saved by Lee.
Three minutes later Bonner pointed another free and Forker shot wide.
At this stage, Ballyshannon moved Declan O'Caroll to the "40", and Terence Craig to the right. A minute after the switch. Granaghan sent the ball to McLoone, who centred and O'Carroll sank it in the net to give Ballyshannon a seven points' lead.
Dungloe were far from finished, however, and following a free by McGuire. Forker punched over a point. It was at this stage that Grimes reached his greatest heights. striding the midfieid area like a human collosus. From one of his drives, Craig soloed through to point. Dungloe broke through again however, and Lee parried Forker's drive, but John Bonner was at hand to finish to the net.
Another drive by John Bonner hit the crossbar and a free out eased the situation for Ballyshannon. As Dungloe came again, Lee made a powerful clearance, and Grimes, fielding high, sent Ballyshannon attacking. Craig broke through but was fouled, and McEniff pointed the free for the last score of the game in the 63rd minute.
The teams, under referee Peadar McGeehin, Letterkenny. were:-
| Vital Statistics |
|---|
| Teams |
|
Aodh Ruadh Austin Stack; Matt McNulty, Vincent Lee, Liam McDaid, Seamus Darcy, Padraig McGarrigle, Charlie Murphy, Jack Grimes and Brian McEniff, Michael McLoone, Terence Craig, Declan O'Carroll, Pauric McShea, Josie Boyle, Eamon Regan. Subs: Seamus Granaghan for P. McShea. |
|
Dungloe A. Glackin, Bria Cannon, Chas. Greene, P. Given, PJ McHugh, Adrian Cannon, P McCole, Seamus McGuire and John Bonner, Terence Bonner, Dermot Bonner, Aloysius Bonner, Aidan Sharkey, D Dohertv, Phil McCole. Sub: Pat Forker for D Doherty. |
| Referee: Peadar McGeehin (Letterkenny) |
PRESENTATION OF THE CUP
Following the game, the Donegal County chairman, Sergt. P. Gill G.S presented the Domhnall Mac a' Bhaird cup to the Ballyshannon captain, Padraig McGarrigle. He said he wished to congratulat Ballyshannon on their victory and both teams on their fine, sporting display. He hoped that they would have the pleasure of seeing many more games like this in the county.
Replying, Padraig McGarrigle said he felt proud of captaining the team, every member of whic had played the game. He wanted to pay tribute to the sporting way in which Dungloe had contested the final.
THE HOMECOMING
On Sunday night, the player were given a great welcome whe they reached home. The cars made a tour of all the principle street with the cup and then toured Bundoran where they were feted by big crowd.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE GAEL
Ballyshannon's success in the minor county final on Sunday, pinpoints the importance of schools football. Of the fifteen players who took home the title, twelve of them graduated through the De La Salle schools leagues The Ernesiders' victory seemed to come as a big surprise to all, but those from the Ballyshannon-Bundoran area who have practical knowledge of the efforts being made for the past few years to develop standards. This push took another step forward this year with the inauguration of the five-club, four-county senior football league in which a high standard of play was in evidence last week when Ballyshannon and Bundoran met at the Father Tierney Park.
COUNTY BOARD - BALLYSHANNON CONGRATULATED
The county chairman said he wished to congratulate Ballyshannon on winning the minor county championship that day. Although they had defeated a team from the South-West, Dungloe, he could assure them that they appreciated their standard of play. He also congratulated Dungloe on their display and Gaoth Dobhair on reaching the senior final. The sportsmanship and standard of play in both games and by all teams had been high. Mr. O'Gorman, on behalf of Dungloe. congratulated Ballyshannon on winning the minor title. Mr. Sean Delap, LL.B., Gaoth Dobhair, said he would also like to join in congratulating Ballyshannon on their victory, and MacCumhaill's on putting up such a fine performance. He would also like to thank the chairman of the MacCumhaill's club, Mr. McFeely, who had visited the Gaoth Dobhair dressing rooms after the game to congratulate them.
Rev. Bro. Raphael, replying on behalf of Ballyshannon, thanked the chairman and members for their remarks. He hoped that the minors they had seen that day would graduate to do honour to their county and club in future years.
Shock for fancied Dungloe
Ballyshannon win minor county championship
Under 18 A Championship final
Aodh Ruadh 5-5
Dungloe 2-9
3 September 1961
O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny
Donegal News report: 9 September 1961
IN the Donegal Minor Football Championship final, curtain-raiser to the senior semi-final replay, at the O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny, on Sunday, Ballyshannon shocked a fancied Dungloe team with a victory of 5-5 to 2-9.
Ballyshannon led at the interval by 3-1 to 1-4 but had a three goals clear lead cut in the final minutes of the half down to a mere goal.
Dungloe's promise, however, did not come to fruition. They faded again second period and Ballyshannon went on to control the game. Dungloe should have been capable of greater drive early in the second half, but could not really curb the eager, energetic opposition.
Going into the final eight minutes of the game Ballyshannon led by seven points and seemed sure of victory Yet the Rosses boys fought hard and John Bonner shaped like the only man to save them. He forced a goal, shot another that had everyone beaten, but smacked back off the underside of the crossbar. Dungloe fought on but their effort was late.
This was Ballyshannon's championship and they carried captain P. McGarrigle shoulder high off the pitch after Co. Chairman Sergt. Pat Gill, G.S., had handed over the Dan Ward Cup.
It was a game that was good and bad in turns. The football, often of a high order, suddenly turned flat, only to spring to life again. Dungloe's early approach to the game seemed to mark them down as fully confident.
In the 8th minute McEniff pointed a free on Craig. In four minutes Craig soloed in, crossed to have Greene push the leather out. Up went Carroll's hand to deflect the ball under the bar and Ballyshannon had 1-1.
A 30-yards free saw Dermot Bonar point. Dungloe's defence was slow again. Can-oil sent in, McLoone shot low but it came off a Dungloe man's legs. Josie Boyle was on it to ram through another goal.
In the 21st minute Padraic McShea crossed and Regan was up to slap in another goal. Forker was fouled and Dermot Bonar pointed. Another minute and Aloysius Bonar sent a long ball to the Ballyshannon goalmouth, grabbed by Forker he turned and rammed through a goal. A free on himself saw Dermot Bonar point again. It was Alo Bonar to Forker, fouled and Dermot Bonar scored another point.
Half-time: Ballyshannon 3-1 Dungloe 1-4.
GREAT START-REGAN GOAL
Ballyshannon got a great start on the resumption. McGranaghan crossed and Regan slipped the ball to the net with keeper Glackin failing to connect with it at the corner. Sharkey hit the post low down. McEniff pointed a free on Craig, and Dermot Bonar replied with a 21-yards free point. Bonar repeated with another free. Terence Bonar sent a long one skipping over off the bar and the, score read in favour of Ballyshannon 4-2 to 1-7 - four points apart.
PENALTY MISS
Eighteen minutes of the half gone came a vital miss. T Bonar sent a high one in, Lee rose to it, let it slip through his hands and McGarrigle scrambled it up off the ground, but the vigilant whistle of Referee P. McGeehin shrilled. It was a penalty.
Up stepped Dermot Bonar to take it with full back Lee taking over, in goals. The shot, down went Lee and saved. A foul Just after allowed D. Bonar to add a point and cut the lead to three. In the 21st minute McEniff sent to Regan to point.
A minute later Ballyshannon fought further ahead, McEniff blocking an attempted clearance on the right, sending to McLoone inside to Carroll, all on the ground and he met it to whip it through for a goal.
Forker punched over a Dungloe point, but Craig soloed through to send a long ball over the bar. The time was running out, the 29th minute striking. Forker sent in, Lee fielded and John Bonner rushed in to force him over the line for a goal.
The 30th minute John Bonner crashed that great drive against the crossbar with everyone beaten. He was in again for a loose ball, but Lee got there first. Extra time was running when McEniffe got the final score, a point from a free.
Under Mr P McGeehin, Letterkenny, the teams were:-
| Vital Statistics |
|---|
| Teams |
|
Aodh Ruadh Austin Stack, Matt McNulty, Vincent Lee, L. McDaid, Seamus Darcy, Pat McGarrigle, Charles Murphy, Jack Grimes and Brian McEniff, Michael McLoone, Terence Craig, Declan O'Carroll, P. McShea, J. Boyle, E. Regan. Subs: S. McGranaghan for McShea. |
|
Dungloe A. Glackin, Brian Cannon, Chas. Greene, Pat Given, PJ McHugh, Adrian Cannon, Patsy McCole, Seamus McGuire and John Bonner, Terence Bonar, Dermot Bonar, Aloysius Bonar, Aidan Sharkey, Denis Doherty, Phil McCole Sub: Pat Forker for Doherty. |
| Referee: P McGeehin (Letterkenny) |
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