Naomh Colmcille CLG – Donegal

13/06/2010
Naomh Colmcille seniors travelled to Dunkineely on Saturday evening to face Naomh Ultan in Division 4 of the league.

Naomh Ultan were the quicker of the two teams out of the blocks, and were gifted a goal in the first couple of minutes. They went on to increase their early lead with 2 points from play before Barry O’Hagan got Naomh Colmcille off the mark with a free won by Ciaran Callaghan and another point from play when Ciaran Devine won possession and laid off to Ciaran Callaghan, who set up O’Hagan for the score.

The sides traded scores during the second quarter, with O’Hagan sending over 2 more frees and Ryan McErlean scoring two from play, the first of which was from a long ball into the forward line from Ciaran Callaghan and the second was from a Paul Friel effort that hit the post.

The teams were evenly enough matched during this period. Crucially, however, Naomh Ultan notched another goal before the break to stretch their half time lead to 2-7 to 0-6.

At half time Paddy O’Donnell replaced Anthony Grant in the full forward line.

Naomh Colmcille needed a strong start to the second half if they were to get back into the game, and they got the perfect opportunity when a penalty was awarded after Ryan McErlean was fouled as he struck an effort on goal. Barry O’Hagan stepped up to take the kick and cooly dispatched it into the bottom left corner. This spurred the visitors on, and Paddy O’Donnell and Stephen Davenport followed up with a point each to reduce the defecit to 2 points as the game moved into the final quarter.

Naomh Ultan scored two points in quick succession to stretch their lead again, before the home keeper did well to tip a powerful Ryan McErlean effort on goal over the bar. The game at this stage was very hard fought, with both teams contributing to a physical battle. Naomh Colmcille were pushing hard to close the gap and most of the action was taking place in the home side’s half, but Naomh Ultan were strong at the back and stood up to the onslaught.

With 5 minutes to go, as Naomh Colmcille pressured the home defence, a goal on the counterattack from Naomh Ultan effectively killed the game off.

As the clock ticked down, Gerard Curran came on for Ricky Hegarty at the back. Thomas McKinley set up Barry O’Hagan for Naomh Colmcille’s final point, and Naomh Ultan finished off with a point right at the end to seal the victory, with a final score of 3-10 to 1-10.

As in the preceding reserve game, the concession of two early goals proved decisive and despite their best efforts, Naomh Colmcille were unable to claw back the defecit against a strong home defence.

Naomh Colmcille:
Marty Callaghan
Paul McGill, Alex Devenney, Ricky Hegarty
Thomas McKinley, Cathal Curran, Paul Friel
Ciaran Devine, Richard Clarke
Ciaran Callaghan, Stephen Davenport (0-01), Barry O’Hagan (1-05)
Ryan McErlean (0-03), Joe Donaghey, Anthony Grant

Subs: Paddy O’Donnell (0-01) for Anthony Grant, Gerard Curran for Ricky Hegarty