Naomh Naille crowned Donegal junior Gaeltacht champions after win over Naomh Conaill

Naomh Naille are Donegal junior Gaeltacht champions after their win over a gallant Naomh Conaill side.

The Parish of Inver side led by 0-11 to 0-5 at the break after being wind assisted but the six point margin flattered them as Naomh Conaill had four good goal chances including a penalty claim. It took a couple of goalline blocks to keep the Naomh Naille goals intact.

In the second half the introduction of Stiobhard Mac Seain made the difference and it was his goal that sealed the issue for the winners.

Naomh Naille had the perfect start with a two pointer from Seosamh O Cathmhaoil, a single point from Shane O Conghaile and another from Seosamh O Cathmhaoil.

Naomh Conaill had a goal chance with Odhran Mac Chailleoige but the effort was wide. Donall de Brun got them on the board from a free but two quick frees from Eoin MacCathmhaoill opened the gap to 0-6 to 0-1 on 12 minutes.

Tomas de Faoite added to the Naomh Naille tally but Jeaic O Baoill should have had a goal at the other end as he palmed a Shea O Maoileoin pass just over the bar.

Naomh Conaill had a second goal chance when ‘keeper Cathal O Loithear was beaten to the ball and Micheal Donoghue had the chance but Barra O Griofa made a great stop on the line. They did get some reward with a free seconds later Shea O Maoilean hitting their third point. O Maoilean then went on a great run to finish a magnificent individual score.

Micheal O Cochlain replied for Naomh Naille and the impressive Tomas de Faoite added another. Naomh Conaill  had another goal chance when Donal O Brun was in the clear. He seemed to be impeded but did not get the penalty. His effort and the rebound from Micheal Donoghue were blocked and Naomh Naille escaped.

They escaped again minutes later when Naomh Conaill sliced open the defence and Sean O Dochartaigh finished from close range but it was ruled out for a ‘square’ ball. To add insult to injury Naomh Naille went forward and Deaglan O Duighneannain pointed from a free.

Donal de Brun had the final point of the first half from a free to leave it Naomh Naille 0-11, Naomh Conaill 0-5.

Donal de Brun had an early free for Naomh Conaill in the second half but two quick points from Eoin Mac Cathmhaoill and another from half-time sub Stiobhard Mac Seain pushed the lead out to eight points.

De Brun cut the deficit while Shea O Maoileon was  wide with a two point free. But then he hit one to cut the lead to five after 44 minutes.

Naomh Naill survived the Naomh Conaill rally and Eoin Mac Cathmhaoil pointed a free and Stiobhard Mac Sean availed of a good pass from Deaglan O Duigheannain to find the net on 54 minutes.

O Maoilean nailed a couple of frees for Naomh Conaill while Mairtin O Breisleain had the final point for the winners.

Naomh Conaill scorers: Shea O Maoileon 0-6,3f, 1tpf; Donal de Brun 0-4,3f; Jeaic O Baoill 0-1

Naomh Naille scorers: Seosamh O Cathmhaoil 0-3,1tp; Eoin Mac Cathmhaoill 0-5,3f; Tomas de Faoite 0-2; Christian Mac a Bhaird, Micheal O Cochlain, Shane O Conghaile, Deaglain O Duigneannain (f),  Mairtin O Breaslain 0-1 each; Stiobhard Mac Seain 1-1.

Naomh Conaill: Seamus Ó Baoill; Caoimhín Ó Gaibheagáin, Feargus Mac Cathmhaoil, Peadar Mac Fhloinn; Séan Ó Dochartaigh, Robbie Mac Dónaill, Seosamh Shankey; Michael Donoghue, Séamus Mac Aodha; Dónall Ó Breisleáin, Jeaic Ó Baoill, Odhrán Mac Chailleóige; Conchubhar Mac Giolla Dé, Shea Ó Maoileoin, Dónall de Brún.

Subs: Aaron Mac Tomais; Leon Mac Tomais, Jackie Chan.

Naomh Náille: Cathal Ó Lothair; Rian Ó Cochláin, Barra de Búrca, Christain Mac a Bhaird; Máirtin Ó Bhreasláin, Miceal O Cochlain, Tomás De Faoite; Barra Ó Griofa, Eoin McCathmhaoil; Conor Mac Cathmhaoil, Seanachán Ó Drisceoil, Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil, Daniel MacDier, Déaglán Ó Duigeannáin, Shane O  Conghaile.

Subs: Stiobhard Mac Seain for O Lothair (ht); Padraig Creag for Mac Dier; Ruairi O Cinneide, Maitiu Mac Erenagh, Caoimhinn de Rossa for O Conghaile, O Duigheannain and O Cochlain.

Referee: Deaglan O Ceallachain (Cill Chartha)