‘Plumber’ praises side’s fight after Naomh Conaill capture Senior B crown

James ‘Plumber’ Boyle hailed his Naomh Conaill reserves, who started county final day in perfect fashion for the club.

Naomh Conaill left O’Donnell Park with both the Senior and Senior B Championship crowns after a day to remember.

After extra time, Naomh Conaill were 3-17 to 2-18 winners with Daniel Gildea, Shane McDevitt and Joseph Shankey-Smith scoring the goals.

“It was hard on the heart,” Boyle said afterwards. 

“We had the extra time, the same as two weeks’ ago (in the semi-final against Ardara). We are probably well enough hardened to it at this stage, but it never gets easier. 

“Fair play to them, they really showed fight. Getting over the line is a great feeling.”

Gaoth Dobhair led 1-9 to 1-4 at half-time, Cronan McFadden netting the goal for the West Donegal outfit.

Boyle said: “We lost Jack McGlynn early and he was a big loss to us. We had to jig things around and we struggled to find our way really.

“We got in and regrouped at half-time. We figured it out and we got chatting to them and got them settled.

“We were probably disappointed not to win it in normal time.”

It took a late Thomas McDevitt point to take the game to extra time after Shane McDevitt, who was named man of the match, netted a goal for Naomh Conaill.

Boyle said: “Shane is an exceptional player and has played senior all year. Really and truly, he is a fantastic talent and for the size of him he packs a big punch.”

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The high drama continued in extra time, where Shankey-Smith’s goal proved crucial.

Boyle pointed to the vital experience he has been able to call upon.

He said: “We have the likes of Daragh Gallagher, Aaron Thompson and Eoin Waide, but he’s carrying a bit of an injury. They’re great in the dressing room, speaking to the young lads and they talk the young lads through it. They’re very important to us.”