Carndonagh defeat Sean MacCumhaills in a low-scoring affair in stormy conditions

The scoreline says more of the atrocious conditions than the level of play from both teams in what was a tough night for hurling in Foden on Friday.

With sleeting rain for the full 60 minutes and a wind howling across the pitch, scores were hard to come by as most of the play was played between both teams’ 45's.

The first score of the game came from Dylan Patton, who slalomed his way through the Carndonagh defence to score the game's only white or green flag from play.

From here, the rain got heavier and the wind stronger and not even the greatest of hurlers could make ends meet.

A mishit free from James Monagle on the right-hand sideline flew like a rocket across the area, landing in the top corner, giving Carn a valuable three-pointer which both teams knew was going to be a crucial score in the circumstances.

Lee Henderson got his name on the scoreboard from a free, while James Monagle replied with a free of his own, leaving the half-time score with two points in it.

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As the second half resumed, the clouds got darker, and darkness was descending quickly on Pairc Ui Dhochartaigh.

Playing with the aid of whatever advantage the wind was giving, MacCumhaills enjoyed the majority of possession in the second half, but judging the wind for scores was next to impossible. 

Dogged Carndonagh defending from the likes of Padraig Doherty, Oran Lafferty and ensured no goal was incoming for the visitors.

Dylan Patton and Lee Henderson probed on occasions for MacCumhaills, but again, resolute defending left nothing other than frees being the source of scores. 

James Monagle once again was on point with a free to start the scoring in the second half, while Lee Henderson replied to bring it back to a two-point game.

The next score was to be the last score, with Del Lafferty looking to drop the ball into the square for a last-ditch goal, but his effort dropped over the bar with Trevor Maloney blowing the full-time whistle. 

Carndonagh Scorers: James Monagle 1-2f

MacCumhaills Scorers: Lee Henderson 0-2f, Dylan Patton and Del Lafferty (f) 0-1 each.

Carndonagh: Stephen Burns; Fergal Diver Hall, Padraig Doherty, Ryan Davenport; Oran Lafferty, Danny Monagle, Shaun McCreanor; Daire Tully, Michael McCarron; Liam Doherty, Shay McLaughlin, James Monagle; Conor McCloskey, Daithi Clerkin, Dylan Doherty.

Subs Used: Altan McDermott for Dylan Doherty (HT), Matthew Porter for Daithi Clerkin (HT), Eoghan Doherty for Liam Doherty (37'). 

Sean MacCumhaills: Dylan Lafferty; Davitt Bradley Flynn, Aaron Toner, Patrick McElhinney; Christopher Gallagher, Lorcan Byrne, John Chambers; PJ Browne, David Curran; Dylan Patton, Lee Henderson, Anthony Patton; Dean Hannigan, Rory Doherty, Liam Gallen.