ODHRAN INSPIRES CLUB GLORY
Gaoth Dobhair 0-17 Naomh Conaill 1-7 Donegal football final BY GERRY MCLAUGHLIN
MAGNIFICENT Odhran Macniallis hit eight precious points as he led Gaoth Dobhair to a 15th county title in front of 6000 fans in Ballybofey yesterday.
The margin of victory did not flatter them as a late scrambled goal from Glenties full-forward Ciaran Thompson scarcely put a gloss on matters.
This is a young team, teeming with talent, with eight of their players under 21. But they also have real leaders in Eamon and Neil Mcgee along with Kevin Cassidy.
The winners led by 0-8 to 0-6 at the break, but three quick pointed frees from Macniallais put the winners firmly in the driving seat.
It got worse for Glenties when veteran wing-back Marty Boyle was sent off in the 35th minute. But that was not the reason they lost as this youthful Gaoth Dobhair side had pace, power and panache to burn.
And they are now looking forward to an Ulster club Championship clash with Cargin of Antrim
SCORERS - GAOTH DOBHAIR: O Macniallais (0-8,6f), C Mulligan (0-3), Daire O’baoill (0-2), Kevin Cassidy (0-2), Eamon Collum (0-2f).
NAOMH CONAILL: C Thompson (1-3f), Ethan O’donnell (0-1), Dermot ‘Brick’ Molloy (0-1), Brendan Mcdyer (0-1), John O’malley (0-1)