Buncrana beat Gaeil Fhanada to set up IFC quarter-final clash with Naomh Columba

It was the visitors’ day at Páirc Uí Shiadhail on Sunday afternoon as Buncrana secured their final quarter-final berth in the Michael Murphy Sports Intermediate Championship with a four-point win over Gaeil Fhánada.

In what was an open and entertaining contest, the visitors managed the key moments better, producing clinical responses when it mattered most. 

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A two-point effort from Peter McLaughlin just before half-time gave Buncrana breathing space, and two quickfire two-pointers from Caolan McGonagle early in the second half helped tilt the momentum decisively in their favour. 

Most tellingly, Buncrana responded instantly to Fanad’s late goal - striking back with a goal of their own to effectively put the game beyond reach.

Buncrana, aided by the breeze in the opening period, made a sharp start. Andrew Davison opened the scoring in the first minute with a well-taken effort, while Liam McGrenaghan responded moments later with a classy effort into the wind. 

As the half progressed, Buncrana capitalised on Fanad errors around the middle third. Points from Michael Bernard McLaughlin and Dylan Mulholland helped them build momentum, and with Caolan McGonagle, William McLaughlin, and John Campbell also on target, they took control.

Gaeil Fhánada finished the half the stronger, creating three goal chances in the final ten minutes. Jimmy Coyle was denied by a fine save from Adam Harrigan, and Mark McAteer had a goal disallowed for a square ball. 

Late points from Liam McGrenaghan and Darren McElwaine gave the Gaels a shot in the arm, but Peter McLaughlin’s two-point strike with the final kick gave the Scarvey residents a six-point advantage at the break. Bun Cranncha 0:10 Gaeil Fhánada 0:04

Gaeil Fhánada began the second half positively, with Paddy Carr narrowing the gap.

However, Caolan McGonagle soon landed two two-point efforts within a minute to stretch Buncrana's lead to nine.

Fanad battled gamely, with Jimmy Coyle, Mark McAteer, Seamie Friel, and Paddy Carr adding to their tally. But every time they threatened a comeback, Buncrana answered. Dylan Mulholland added a point, and John Campbell notched two more to keep the Scarvey men well in control.

The new rules always leave room for a late surge, and suddenly Aidan McAteer’s side were back in with a shout. 

In a four-minute spell between the 53rd and 57th minutes, they cut the deficit from nine points to just two. Bernard McGettigan and Shaun Kerr hit two-pointers before Seamie Friel finished off a slick team move with a goal, setting up a tense finale.

However, Buncrana killed off the comeback almost instantly. Winning a midfield break, they moved forward with purpose, and Dylan Mulholland calmly slotted home a goal that effectively sealed the tie.

Darren McElwaine struck the post late on for the hosts, while substitute Ryan Bradley added a final Buncrana score. Seamie Friel landed a final two-pointer for Gaeil Fhánada, but Buncrana weren’t to be denied.

Buncrana now progress to face Naomh Columba in the quarter-finals. Gaeil Fhánada, meanwhile, must regroup ahead of a crucial relegation play-off semi-final against Cloich Cheann Fhaola.

Gaeil Fhánada scorers: Seamie Friel 1-3, 1tp; Shaun Kerr 0-2, 1tp; Liam McGrenaghan 0-3; Bernard McGettigan 0-2, 1tp; Paddy Carr 0-2; Oisín Shiels, Mark McAteer, Darren McElwaine and Jimmy Coyle 0-1 each. 

Bun Cranncha scorers: Caolan McGonagle 0-8, 3tp; Dylan Mulholland 1-2; John Campbell 0-4; Peter McLaughlin 0-2, 1tp; William McLaughlin, Andrew Davison, Michael Bernard McLaughlin and Ryan Bradley 0-1 each. 

Gaeil Fhánada: Eoin McGonigle; Calum McAteer, Odhrán Shiels, Ronan McAteer; Conor Heraghty, Shaun Kerr, Liam McGrenaghan; Shaun Carr, Oisín Shiels; Paddy Carr, Bernard McGettigan, Oisín McFadden; Mark McAteer, Michael Sweeney, Darren McElwaine

Buncrana: Adam Harrigan; Cathal McNutt, Seán Doherty, William McLaughlin; Andrew Davison, JP McKenna, Michael Gallagher; Peter McLaughlin, Caolan McGonagle, Oisín Crawford, Michael Bernard McLaughlin, Sean McLaughlin; Billy Duffy, John Campbell, Dylan Mulholland

Referee: Charlie Creevey (Letterkenny Gaels)