Alex Cunnea was exceptional says former Naomh Columba star John Joe Doherty

There was a broad smile on former Naomh Columba and Donegal star John Joe Doherty after the final whistle of the Intermediate final on Sunday. He had just watched his side overcome Malin in O’Donnell Park in convincing fashion in the end.

And as a man who knows a thing or two about what it takes, he singled out the youngest Naomh Columba player, Alex Cunnea, for special praise.

“I thought Alex Cunnea was exceptional today. He won a kick-out at a vital time and that was a massive catch. That broke the momentum on Malin,” said Doherty.

“But look, you can come to finals as many times as you want, but the wee bit of extra class can make the difference.

“And them couple of young players that came into the squad. Obviously Shane Callaghan is an exceptional player but I thought Alex Cunnea was exceptional as well. That wee bit of quality makes the difference in tight games.”

John Joe was captain of the Naomh Columba senior team that lifted the Dr Maguire Cup back in 1990 and it has been a bit of a famine at adult football level for the proud club since then. Their last senior championship outing was a preliminary round defeat to Cloughaneely in 2008.

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“It’s been a long time. 2008, a long time away. But in fairness it hasn’t been for the want of trying since then. 

“Ah, what can I say about that group of players? They stuck with it. And Brendan (Doherty, manager), I know he’s my brother, but what he has put into it is unbelievable. I never saw a clubman like him.

“I’m delighted, delighted for everybody,” said Doherty.

Doherty summed up the game very well: “I think they were a wee bit better with the ball in their hand, more composed. The game could have gone any way. Malin could have bothered us more with the long ball into the full-forward line. But I think at that stage it was just done and dusted.

“Any time in the second half anytime we got up the field on the counter attack there were scores to be got,” he said.

It was a day of double celebration for the Doherty family as another brother, Eugene, managed the Naomh Columba ladies to the junior title earlier in the day, defeating Urris after extra-time.

“My mother at home in Carrick will be delighted tonight,” said John Joe.