Brandon McClafferty helps Gaeil Fhánada to Comórtas win over Naomh Columba

Brandon McClafferty hit the match winning scores this afternoon as Gaeil Fhánada overcame Naomh Columba in their Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta clash at Páirc Uí Shiadhail.

Gaeil Fhánada 2-7 Naomh Columba 0-7

Both sides were much changed from their previous clash last season, but with the start of the league campaign only around the corner, it was a great opportunity for players to stake their claim.

It was a defensive opening period, with both teams very careful while in possession. Gaeil Fhánada were never behind in the game, but there was very little to separate the sides for the majority of proceedings.

James Kerr opened the scoring with a super effort with the outside of his boot, but an Eric Carr response, also from distance soon levelled the scores again. Eoin Mc Gonigle was proving a decent option inside for the hosts and he hit Gaeil Fhánada’s next two scores, one from play and then a more straightforward free, but Naomh Columba responded to each point, courtesy of Declan Maguire and Liam Boyle to level the sides with half time approaching.

Two super points from Oisín Shiels and Oisín Mc Fadden in closing stages edged Gaeil Fhánada two clear at the break.

The hosts began the second period impressively and were soon four points ahead, as Jimmy Coyle and Oisín Shiels both converted opportunities in the early stages. Naomh Columba grew into proceedings as the second half wore on, and reduced the deficit to two, courtesy of Eric Carr and Pádraig Byrne. Naomh Columba were playing well as the second half wore on, but the Gaeil Fhánada defence stood firm, and soon it was the aforementioned Brandon Mc Clafferty’s turn to have his say.

Oisín Shiels and Paddy Carr combined up the right wing to create the opening and Mc Clafferty finished to the net from close range. He repeated the feat a mere thirty seconds later, as Oisín Mc Fadden won a ball on the ground and got it to Oisín Shiels. Shiels fed the ball long into Mc Clafferty and he turned and found the bottom corner. Naomh Columba had very little time to respond, but added further points from Declan Maguire and Liam Boyle, but the two goals were the difference as James Connors blew the full time whistle.

Gaeil Fhánada: Micheál Mac Suibhne, Aodhán Ó hEireachtaigh, Pádraig Ó hEireachtaigh, Oisín Mac Pháidín (0-1), Odhrán Ó Siadhail, Séamus Mac Giolla Choille (0-1), Brandon Mac Laifeartaigh (2-0), Pádraig Mac Giolla Chearra, Oisín Ó Siadhail (0-2), Seán Mac Giolla Chearra, Eoghan Ó Ludhóg, Pádraig Ó Frighil, Pól Mac Giolla Choille, Séamus Mac Giolla Chearra (0-1), Eoin Mac Conaglaigh (0-2).

Naomh Columba: Seaghan Ó Gadhra, Stiofán Ó Ceallacháin, Barry Mac Giolla Chearra, Stiofán Mac Seoin, Seosamh Ó Laoighin, Eric Mac Giolla Chearra (0-2), Liam Ó Baoill (0-2), Pól Ó hEir, Deaglán Mac Uidhir (0-2), Seán Ó hArdaigh, Riain Mac Neairn, Darragh Mac Cuinneagáin, Ronán Mac Giolla Easpaig, Pádraig Ó Beirn (0-1), Aaron Ó Beirn.

Réiteoir- James Connors (Naomh Adhamhnáin)