Naomh Columba end famine to defeat Malin and win Intermediate title

The famine is over in Glen as Naomh Columba are back in senior championship after a long wait. They were the better team in a competitive Intermediate final in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny.

They also had the men to take their scores with Philip Doherty showing the way from centre-back while Padraig Byrne, Paul O'Hare, Aaron Doherty, Shane Callaghan, Pauric Ward and Alex Cunnea were outstanding.

In the end it was their scoring power, especially against the strong wind, which made the difference. Malin managed just four points from placed balls against the wind while Naomh Columba hit 2-5 in their period against the breeze. In the end that was the difference.

It was a slow burner with Malin holding possession for long periods in the opening minutes even though playing against the stiff breeze.


Naomh Columba celebrate

They then took the lead thanks to a wonder striker from a Christopher McLaughlin two point free on five minutes.

But the Naomh Columba response was brilliant with Padraig Byrne on the end of a swift move to fire low to the net.

Philip Doherty added a two pointer and Eric Carr and Ryan Gillespie pushed the lead to 1-4 to 0-2 on 19 minutes. Christopher McLaughlin had a rare point from a free for Malin but Padraig Byrne responded with a two point free and Ryan Gillespie could have had a goal when put through by Paul O'Hare. He hit his effort too high but the Glen men were 1-7 to 0-3 ahead.

Josh Conlon hit another good free from the other side but Aaron Doherty and Paul O'Hare closed out the half with further points to leave Naomh Columba 1-9 to 0-4 ahead at the break.

Naomh Columba started the second half well with a second goal finished coolly by Philip Doherty. Christopher McLaughlin (two point free) and Stephen McLaughlin replied.

Naomh Columba had Steven Callaghan black carded in that period also. Ryan Gillespie and Sean O'Neill traded scores but Ryan Gillespie and Shane Callaghan stretched the lead to 2-12 to 0-8.

Malin needed a spark and a high ball into the Naomh Columba square came off the crossbar for Ciaran O'Kane to fire home a goal. Sean O'Neill added a point. It wasn't enough as Naomh Columba broke through for Ryan Gillespie to win a penalty and the Malin 'keeper was red carded for the tackle. Aaron Doherty fired low to the net and even though Malin came back with a second goal from Ciaran O'Kane Naomh Columba were not to be denied.

The winners could have had a fourth goal but Zach Conlon denied Christopher Cook Byrne at close range as Glen finished strongly with points from Pauric Hegarty and Shane Callaghan.

Naomh Columba scorers: Philip Doherty 1-2,1tp; Padraig Byrne 1-2,1tpf; Ryan Gillespie 0-4; Aaron Doherty 1-1, pen; Shane Callaghan 0-2; Paul O'Hare, Eric Carr, Pauric Hegarty 0-1 each.

Malin scorers: Ciaran O'Kane 2-0; Christopher McLaughlin 0-5,1f,2tpf; Sean O'Neill 0-2; Josh Conlon (f), Stephen McLaughlin 0-1 each.

Naomh Columba: Shane O'Gara; Steven Callaghan, Philip McNern, Paul O'Hare; Pauric Ward, Philip Doherty, Eric Carr; Padraig Byrne, Declan McGuire; Aaron Doherty, Ryan Gillespie, Alex Cunnea; Shane Callaghan, Kevin McNern, Pauric Hegarty.

Subs: Fionn Gallagher for D McGuire (42); Lanty Molloy for P McNern (59); Christopher Byrne and Ryan McNern for R Gillespie and K McNern (both 60+1)

Malin: Daniel Mullarkey; Gary Farren, Ciaran Doherty, Daniel Green; Sean Byrne Oisin McGonagle, Mac McLaughlin; Taylor Bonner, Ciaran O'Kane; Sean O'Neill, Josh Conlon, Darragh Douglas; Paul McLaughlin, Seamus Houghton, Christopher McLaughlin.

Subs: Stephen McLaughlin for Douglas (39); John Gerard McLaughlin for S Houghton (45); Finn Ward for Green (50); 

Referee: Stephen Doherty (Red Hughs)