Gaoth Dobhair make hay early for win over St Naul’s in Mountcharles

An impressive Gaoth Dobhair were well on their way to victory in Mountcharles after taking advantage of the first half breeze to lead 0-12 to 0-2 at the break.

Two Ethan Harkin two pointers and another from Cathal Gillespie formed a good part of the tally while Fionnan Coyle chipped in with three. Harkin also had a one pointer while Micheal Roarty and Eamonn Collum had their other first half scores. St Naul’s could only manage a Declan Duignan free on nine minutes and the last point of the half from Thomas White.

It was a clinical first half from the Gaoth Dobhair men who started without their county players, only introducing Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhride and Dáire Ó Baoill in the second half.

St Naul’s were minus John Rose and Stephen Griffin from last week and they had no one to match the accuracy of Harkin (who wore the No 7 jersey even though he was listed No 17 in the team list). Cathal Gillespie was wearing 17 while listed No 12 on team list.

The second half was a more even affair with St Naul’s winning the half 9-7 but that statistic hardly matters. Gavin Mulreany landed three two point frees while Joe Campbell also had a two pointer, but the result was never in doubt. Fionnan Coyle, Ethan Harakin, Adam Mac Iomhair and Micheal Roarty kept the scoreboard ticking for the winners.

There was one little flashpoint around the 48 minute mark when Brendan McCole reacted to a head high tackle but it was sorted amicably with referee Val Murray administering some common sense.

The harsh reality is that this is going to be a difficult championship for St Naul’s while Gaoth Dobhair looked sharp and on this performance will be around at the business end. Ethan Harkin and Fionnan Coyle were their standout performers.

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St Naul’s scorers: Gavin Mulreany 0-6,3tpf; Joe Campbell 0-2,tp; Declan Duignan (f), Thomas White, Ian Campbell (f) 0-1 each.

Gaoth Dobhair scorers: Ethan Harkin 0-7,1f,2tp; Fionnan Coyle 0-5; Micheal Roarty, Cathal Gillespie (tp), Eamonn Collum (1f) 0-2 each; Adam Mac Iomhair 0-1.

St Naul’s: Gavin Mulreany; Ryan Coughlan, Niall Prendiville, Kyle Campbell; Martin Breslin, Barry Griffin, Thomas White; Brendan McCole, Lee McBrearty; Stuart Johnston, Peadar Mogan, Michael Coughlan; Joe Campbell, Ian Campbell, Declan Duignan.

Subs: Danny McDyre for Griffin (42); Jonathan O’Driscoll for Duignan (46); Barry Rose for Johnston (50); Shane Conneely for M Coughlan (52).

Gaoth Dobhair: Padraig Mac Giolla Bhride; Neasan Mac Giolla Bhride, Gary McFadden, Eamonn Mac Giolla Bhride; Aodhan Breathnach, Fiachra Coll, Ethan Harkin; Adam Mac Iomhair, Peter McGee; Fionnan Coyle, Micheal Roarty, Cathal Gillespie; Eoin de Burca, Odhran MacNiallais, Eamonn Collum.

Subs: Cathal Rua Gallachoir and Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhride for Breathnach and F Coyle (both 39); Dáire Ó Baoill for P McGee (46); Jordi Gribbin for F Coll (58).

Referee: Val Murray (Aodh Ruadh)