Abbey VS, Donegal Town drawn at home in MacRory Cup semi-final

Abbey VS, Donegal Town are on the brink of returning to another MacRory Cup final when they meet St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon which is now scheduled for Sunday afternoon next at 2pm. They have been drawn to play at home with the venue to be confirmed.

It was originally fixed for Fintona on Friday evening with the other semi-final between Omagh CBS and Abbey, Newry planned for Thursday night in Stewartstown also changed to Sunday. There was a draw for home advantage for both semi-finals because of the unavailability of pitches to host the games.

Omagh CBS have been drawn at home against Abbey, Newry in the other semi-final which is set for Sunday evening at 7 pm.

It has been another remarkable year for the Donegal Town school, on the verge of the final again in only their second year in the competition.

Led this year by Pauric O’Donnell, the side overcame St Michael’s, Our Lady’s, Castleblayney and Donegal South West to top their group.

Looking forward to the game, O’Donnell was happy that a decision regarding the change was made early and not at the last minute.

“At least there has been a bit of notice but it’s the same for all four teams.”

The Donegal school made history last year by reaching the MacRory Cup final at their first attempt only to lose out narrowly to eventual All-Ireland winners, St Pat’s, Maghera.

It is a fantastic achievement for the school to be back once again in the last four and they have been impressive once again on the journey.

“It’s a big achievement for the lads. I suppose we didn’t really look at it that way. We just took it one game at a time. The first focus was to top the group. Then the next focus was to win the play-off and then obviously it was quarter-final. 

“So far it has worked out for us.”

Looking back now on the campaign, O’Donnell feels the game against Castleblayney in the group stage was probably their toughest test. They were a very good side.”

Abbey VS also had a close encounter with South West Donegal and they have a fair idea of what they will be up against on Sunday on a line through Our Lady’s, Castleblayney.

Abbey VS defeated the Monaghan side by three points 1-19 to 2-13 after a titanic struggle in the group stages while Sunday’s opponents, St Pat’s, Dungannon accounted for Castleblayney by just one point in the quarter-final (1-10 to 0-12).

“We have a good idea of where we are at and of the four teams in the semi-final, three of them topped their group. Dungannon topped their group and it’s not a shock that we are playing them.

“They have a very strong team with a lot of good forwards who played for Tyrone minors over two years. They have Mulgrew in the middle of the field and a well balanced team,” said O’Donnell.

Abbey have Daniel McGinty back for the quarter-final after being out with a long-term injury. “He played a bit for us the last night but he had to come off injured. Time will tell; the extra 48 hours might be a help.”

The Abbey VS captain, Conor McCahill, has been a busy man, playing in all three Dr McKenna Cup games for Donegal over the last week.

“Conor is on a very exciting journey. It’s very exciting for him and we’re very proud of him in the school, obviously. On a personal level for him, he is on the crest of a wave at the moment and we are fully supportive of that.”

Another who has shown up very well for Abbey VS in their campaign is Thomas Lenihan, who has contributed some very important goals while Lewis McCaughan has also impressed in goals.

“Thomas has taken his form from the club (Four Masters) into the school with him. Again he is a very exciting player and he’s up with the Donegal U-20s now as well. He’s well known now what he can do.

“There is a cohort of them involved at county level. Between minors and U-20s, you’re probably looking at about eight or nine players.”

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Being back at the very top table of Ulster Colleges football is a tribute to the Donegal Town school and manager O’Donnell says the school are really embracing the journey.

“It is really exciting for the school. For the staff, it’s on the tips of everyone’s tongue. They have really bought into it. They enjoy the lads being part of it and supporting them. It’s a nice experience for everyone in the school,” said O’Donnell.