John McNulty happy with his Aodh Ruadh's reaction to Malin defeat

Aodh Ruadh bounced back after a home defeat to Malin to inflict a first defeat on Gaoth Dobhair in the All County League Division 1 on Sunday in Ballyshannon.

John McNulty’s side had lost out to Gaoth Dobhair in the senior championship quarter-final last year in Fintra, but after Sunday’s win, he felt it was not that championship game that motivated his side, but their poor performance in the preceding league game against Malin.

“I think we looked more at the (recent) Malin game. We were disappointed at the way we performed that day and we didn’t do ourselves justice.

“We were probably looking for a reaction and that’s what we got today.”

The Ballyshannon side were really up for the game from the start and probably could have won by a bigger margin than three points, as they conceded two late goals.

“You look at it, it’s trying to sustain that for the 60 odd minutes of the game, that’s the big one. It turned out to be a close game at the end with just three points in it, but we’re delighted with the result. I think the boys worked hard throughout.

“We created two or three goal chances in the first half, even that one at the start of the second half that came off the post. But I don’t know if we like making it easy for ourselves. We seem to keep it exciting, but the big thing at the end of the day was that we came out with the result.”

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Aodh Ruadh played their football on the front foot which was pleasing for those who attended but there were injuries and the panel is being stretched. Philip Patton went off injured while Shane McGrath came in for his first appearance of the year.

“That will always happen. You are always trying to try and get the young fellas to come in and play and can they step up.  These league matches are very good for that and it gives them experience against top sides like Gaoth Dobhair and Kilcar and it’s a great learning experience.”

As for the start to the campaign, McNulty returned to the Malin game. “I wouldn’t be happy with the Malin game; I wouldn’t be happy at all with that day. But then you have to take that and it’s over and done with and just get on with it and look forward to the next game and see how you react.”

They will travel to play St Eunan’s on Saturday next in O’Donnell Park for another tough game.

“It doesn’t get any easier. That will be a tough game over there. It was a cagey game last year so we will wait and see. You wouldn’t know what might happen over there,” says McNulty.