Donegal lift Pat Callaghan Cup in
Boston
28.08.14
Boston Junior A Football
Final: Cork v Donegal
Cork... 0-7
Donegal... 1-16
DONEGAL captured the Pat Callaghan Cup for the second
time in three years with a comprehensive victory over a
battling Cork side. After a tight first half Donegal
took control in the second and gradually opened up some
distance between the teams. With the half back line in
control and a fine performance from Luke Peden after
entering the game, Donegal had platform for a victory
with plenty of room to spare in the end.
It was an evenly contested opening period. Cork got off
to a three point start, the first from Mick Lyons
followed by two from Mike Moynihan. Donegal opened their
account nine minutes in with a Christy McLaughlin point.
Pauric McLaughlin and Dean Kelly points brought Donegal
level. There were great saves at either end as Mike
Moynihan came close for Cork only to be stopped by
Jonathan Byrne, and Christy McLaughlin had a close range
shot well saved by Kieran Reid. The teams traded points
for the remainder of the half, Darren Green stole
forward from centre back to put one over the bar for
Donegal and give his side a lift. Christy McLaughlin put
the odd one over the bar to provide Donegal with a
slight edge going into the break. |
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The Donegal team. |
Donegal asserted themselves
on the game in the second period and limited Cork to a
solitary point for the entire 30 minutes. With Cork
having a difficult time moving the ball into scoring
positions, or winning much of the breaking ball around
the middle of the field, Donegal opened up a five point
lead. Peden had entered the game at wing forward for
Donegal and made an immediate impact. Peden’s speed when
in possession was a tremendous asset. Reid was required
to make another save from McLaughlin to deny Donegal a
goal, but the points could not be stopped by the Cork
keeper. Grant, Kelly, and McLaughlin put five over the
bar between them before John Crowley got Cork back on
track with a point fifteen minutes into the half.
With ten minutes to go Donegal held a solid looking six
point lead. Dean Kelly had moved to the middle of the
field and took over marking duties of Niall O’Connor who
had looked as though he might be starting to bring Cork
back into the game – although by that stage a goal to
even two would be required to bring the Rebels back into
contention. Cork’s chances were well and truly
extinguished after Thomas Caldwell put seven between the
teams before Owen Grant was pulled down in the box and
Donegal won a penalty. McLaughlin took it well and hit
the bottom right corner. Donegal looking impressive
entering the North American Finals this weekend where
they will face the winners of the Western division or
Charlotte tie and will be hoping to return the Junior A
cup to Boston following Wolfe Tones victory in Cleveland
last season.
Donegal: Jonathan Byrne (Malin), Declan McBride (Downings),
Sean Doherty (Urris), Darren Doherty (Malin), Darren
Green (Downings), Hugh Devine (Lifford), Tom Caldwell
(Galway), Mark Dunphy, Ciaran McDevitt, Owen Grant (Naomh
Muire), Pauric McLaughlin (Buncrana), Dean Kelly (Urris),
Christopher McLaughlin (Malin) Sub: Brian Kelly (Urris),
Paddy McLaughlin Wanish (Buncrana), Barney Friel (Urris),
Christopher Rush, Luke Peden (St.Johns, Antrim) Conor
Connolly (Castlederg, Tyrone) Managers: Gareth Ruddy (Carndonagh),
Paul Martin McDaid (Malin).
Cork: Kieran Reid, Eoin Barry, Mike Carolan, Colm
Caffrey, Dan O’Regan, Darren O’Donovan, Niall O’Connor,
Mick Lyons, Shea Leonard, Mike Moynihan, John Crowley,
Lar Barden, Cian Clifford. Subs: Mike Maye, Downey
Brogan.
Meanwhile...
Junior B Football Final: Donegal v Shannon Blues
Shannon Blues 1-11 Donegal 2-5
A young Shannon Blues team captured the junior B
championship in convincing style on Saturday evening.
Donegal battled to stay in the game, but a last minute
goal came a little too late to provide any realistic
hope of pulling off a comeback. The Blues proved to be
that bit fitter and stronger and remain unbeaten at this
level for the season. |
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