Donaldson goal crucial for Naomh Malachi

NAOMH MALACHI 1-11 DUNDALK YI 0-8

NOEL Donaldson fired in a crucial goal as Nh Malachi advanced to the Kevin Mullen Shield Final at the expense of Young Irelands on Saturday evening.

In a game where the Courtbane side had slightly the better of things throughout, they deservedly emerged with a six-point win to set up a meeting with St Kevins in the decider.

It was a disappointing evening for the Young Irelands but they came up against a Malachis side who produced a fine team effort and with a good spread of scores from the likes of Ronan Greene, Jack Kirwan and Collie Rooney they proved too strong in the end.

The Dundalk men’s hopes suffered a severe setback when they played much of the game with just 14 men after Dermot Mone was sent off inside the opening quarter.

The early exchanges between the teams were relatively even but as the game progressed the Mals gradually got on top and by the time the half time whistle sounded they had built up a healthy 0-7 to 0-3 advantage.

The Dundalk side fought throughout the second half to get back into contention but they were never quite able to bridge that gap.

In the end it was Donaldson who popped up to score the only goal of the game to ensure his side made it through to the decider. NAOMH MALACHI: Chris McCaughley; David Begley, David Rogers, Stephen Burns; Emmet Mullen, Stephen Smith, Ronan Greene 0-3; Padraig Moley 0-2, Pierce Caherty 0-1; Jamie Kelly, Jack Kirwan 0-3, Noel Donaldson 1-1; Dylan Rooney, Collie Rooney 0-1, Shane Rogers. Subs: Kieran Murtagh, Conor Gonnelly, Colin Hoey, Pete McShane, Ronan McElroy, Paul Gogarty, Mark Meegan.

DUNDALK YOUNG IRELANDS: Iffy Kewele; Alan Minto, Peter McCourt, Stephen Bellew; Oisin McCabe 0-1, Jordan O’Donoghue 0-1, Alan Hanks; Aaron Murray, Aidan Sheeky; Dermot Mone 0-2, Paddy McSorley 0-1, Dean Maguire; Cian O’Donoghue, Peter McStravick 0-2, Mark Savage. Sub: James Prendergast 0-1.