Eoghan McGettigan back in the groove as Naomh Conaill win at MacCumhaill's

Brendan McDyer, Charles McGuinness and Eoghan McGettigan were on song for Naomh Conaill in their opening day 11-point win over promoted Seán MacCumhaills in Ballybofey.

Seán MacCumhaill’s 0-6 Naomh Conaill 1-14

Played in fine conditions the first half was a stalemate as both teams went in four points apiece with scoring opportunities limited for both sides. The opening 15 minutes belonged to the home side as they went into a three-point to nothing score with scores from Kevin McCormack, twice, and an Aaron Kelly point from play.

Naomh Conaill eventually opened their account for the day when Charles McGuinness’ point from play on the 16 minute mark was followed by a free a minute later.

Jamie Keegan put the home side two points clear again on the 20 minute mark but the lively Eoghan McGettigan pointed over and a McGuinness free levelled the game up. Naomh Conaill had a chance for a goal on the strike of half time when McDyer’s ball into the box caused alarm to the home side but corner-back Adam Lynch was on the line to clear the danger. Going into half time the game was anyone’s to win, 0-4 apiece.

Despite the close nature of the first half, Naomh Conaill shifted up through the gears and dominated the second half. John O’Malley and McDyer, twice, and Eoghan McGettigan all hit scores to race into a four-point lead and it took MacCumhaills to the 18 minute mark of the second half to register - Aaron Kelly from play.

The current Donegal SFC champions showed their guile and experience and MacCumhaills had no response in a half they were outscored 0-2 to 1-10. The dependable Brendan McDyer won a free and slotted over. MacCumhaills mustered their final score of the half on 51 minutes from midfielder Joe Boyle.

Naomh Conaill assumed total control of the final 10 minutes with scores from Mark McDevitt and Eoghan McGettigan contributing. Naomh Conaill also raised a green flag from Brendan McDyer and finished their scoring with a Charles McGuinness free.

Seán MacCumhaills scorers: Kevin McCormack 0-2, 1f; Aaron Kelly 0-2, Jamie Keegan, Joe Boyle 0-1 each.

Naomh Conaill scorers: Brendan McDyer 1-4, 2f; Charles McGuinness 0-4, 3f; Eoghan McGettigan 0-4; John O’Malley and Mark McDevitt 0-1 each.

Seán MacCumhaills: Eoin Gallen; Aaron Gillooley, Ronan McMenamin, Adam Lynch; Cian Mulligan, Chad McSorley, Fionn McNulty; Joe Boyle, Steven O’Reilly; Jack Duffy, Jamie Keegan, Sean Martin; Kevin McCormack, Aaron Kelly, Gary Dunnion. Sub: Daithi McMahon for Jack Duffy

Naomh Conaill: Paudie Brennan; Logan Quinn, A.J Gallagher, Jason Campbell; Jack McGlynn, Keelan McGill, Ethan O’Donnell, Neil Francis Boyle; Seamus Corcoran, John O’Malley; Eoghan McGettigan, Brendan McDyer; Leo Dunphy, Charles McGuinness, Mark McDevitt. Subs: Marty Boyle for Logan Quinn, Shane McDevitt for Mark McDevitt, Joe Shankey for Leo Dunphy, Leo Dunphy for Eoghan McGettigan, Oran Doherty for Brendan McDyer

Referee: Pat Barrett (Baile na nGalloglach)