Naomh Columba take the points against Bundoran in Gaelic Park

Naomh Columba took the points in Gaelic Park on Saturday evening with a strong final quarter against Bundoran.

The visitors took the game to the hosts with the first three points, beginning with an Aaron Doherty free and followed up by two from Padraig Byrne, the first one from a free and the second one from a ‘45.

Bundoran answered back with two points coming from the boot of Kyle McNulty, both again coming from frees.

But Naomh Columba hit three unanswered points from Phillip Doherty, a fisted effort from Ronan O’Hare, and a Lanty Molloy point to lead by four by the 18th minute.

But the hosts then hit a purple patch with a point and soon levelled matters, first with a score from Lee Smith and then a two-point free from Adam McGloin.

By the 28th minute, Kyle McNulty had levelled matters with another free, but on the stroke of half-time, a Padraig Byrne point from play left Naomh Columba one up at the break at 0-7 to 0-6.

Second half points from Pauric Hegarty and a Aaron Doherty free put the visitors further in front by the 40th minute, but five minutes later, the Realt na Mara men Bundoran had their noses in front.

A point from Kyle McNulty was quickly followed up by a well-taken goal from Adam McGloin.

Brendan Doherty’s side responded well with points from Fionn Gallagher and Darragh Cunningham to put them back ahead before the decisive score came in the 52nd minute.

A penalty was awarded to the visitors, and Aaron Doherty slotted home as daylight between the teams began to develop.

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Aaron Doherty and Michael Callaghan added more points, while at the other end, McGloin hit one of his own.

But further points from Pauric Ward, Lanty Molloy and Aaron Doherty ensured the visitors finished the stronger as the final whistle went.

Bundoran scorers: Adam McGloin 1-3,1tp,1f; Kyle McNulty 0-4,3f; Lee Smith 0-1.

Naomh Columba scorers: Aaron Doherty 1-4,1-0 pen,2f; Pádraig Byrne 0-3,1f,1’45; Lanty Molloy 0-2; Philip Doherty, Pauric Hegarty, Pauric Ward, Darragh Cunningham, Michael Callaghan, Ronan O’Hare and Fionn Gallagher 0-1 each.

Bundoran: Conor Carty, Conor Jack McManus, Mathew Tierney, Callum Tierney, Pauric Rooney, Lee Smith (0-1), Ryan Barrett, Mathew Duffy, Oisín Caine, Adam McGloin, Jakub Machaik; Paco Law, Kyle McNulty, Anton Govorov.

Subs: Bradley Goodwin-McGowan for Oisín Caine.

Naomh Columba: Padraig Byrne; Evan O Donnell, Philip McNern, Philip Doherty; Stephen Callaghan, Eric Carr,  Pauric Hegarty; Pauric Ward, Kevin McNern; Darragh Cunningham, Aaron Doherty, Lanty Molloy; Eoghan Hegarty, Michael Callaghan, Ronan O’Hare.

Subs: Fionn Gallagher for S Callaghan, Ronan Gillespie for E Hegarty,  Liam Hardy for L Molloy.

Referee: Greg McGroary (Four Masters)