St Naul's clinch Yes Chef Division 3 title with win over Na Rossa

St Naul's clinched the Yes Chef Division 3 League title when overcoming a dogged Na Rossa side at Davy Brennan Park, Glenties.

St Naul's 1-11 Na Rossa 1-8

The Parish of Inver side had county players Brendan McCole and Peadar Mogan at midfield while Na Rossa were short a number of starters through injury including Christian Bonner, Eugene Molloy, Odhran Bonner and Matthew Smith.

But despite that the Leitir side made a real fight of this game in the second half, taking the lead on 37 minutes through an Adrian Hanlon goal, but St Naul's had just about enough firepower to respond and a Michael Coughlan goal on 45 minutes was a big turning point.

The host ground at Davy Brennan Park was in good condition and the new floodlights were needed on what was a grey evening.

In the difficult conditions, Na Rossa had plenty of possession in the opening half and won a lot more frees (14 to 6) but St Naul's were more efficient in attack.

Aidan McHugh got Na Rossa on the board on three minutes with a well-taken free but they would fail to register another score until two late Cillian Bonner frees in the 26th and 29th minutes.

By that stage St Naul's had just one wide while Na Rossa had five waved wide by the umpire in that opening half.
Stephen Griffin levelled matters on six minutes and Brendan McCole cut through to fist St Naul's into the lead two minutes later.

Peadar Mogan set up Stephen Griffin to fire over from close to the sideline on 13 minutes and they were almost in for a goal a minute later with John Paul McCready making a great stop from Brendan McCole after he combined with Mogan.
Stephen Griffin converted a free and Adrian Hanlon was off target at the other from a very makeable position. Gavin Mulreany almost found the target with a mighty effort from close to the sideline before Michael Coughlan pushed St Naul's 0-5 to 0-1 ahead.

Cillian Bonner's later frees came either side of a very good Stuart Johnston effort to leave the half-time score: St Naul's 0-6, Na Rossa 0-3.

A point from Aidan McHugh 15 seconds into the second half was followed on 37 minutes by an Adrian Hanlon goal, the full-forward turning his man and firing past Gavin Mulreaney.

St Naul's were almost gifted a goal at the other end when an effort from a point from Peadar Mogan dropped short and almost ended in the net. Two points from Peadar Mogan frees (the first a harsh call against Na Rossa) had St Naul's back in front and Stephen Griffin punished a overcarrying decision on 43 minutes.

But the big turning point came on 45 minutes when Joe Campbell was involved twice before setting up Michael Coughlan to palm home for a five point lead - 1-9 to 1-4.


Na Rossa responded really well with points from Oisin Caulfield, two frees from Aidan McHugh and Cillian Bonner which were moved on for dissent and a magnificent effort from Aidan McHugh from distance to cut the lead to the minimum with seven minutes left.

But captain Ian Campbell and Stuart Johnston steadied the St Naul's shop and they held out for the victory.

St Naul's captain Ian Campbell is presented with the Cup by  Co chairman, Fergus McGee

St Naul's scorers: Stephen Griffin 0-4,3f; Michael Coughlan 1-1; Peader Mogan 0-2,2f; Stuart Johnston 0-2; Brendan McCole, Ian Campbell 0-1 each.

Na Rossa scorers: Aidan McHugh 0-4,2f; Cillian Bonner 0-3,3f; Adrian Hanlon 1-0; Oisin Caulfield 0-1.

St Naul's: Gavin Mulreany; Brian Griffin, Barry Griffin, John Rose; Martin Breslin, Oisin Mogan, Thomas White; Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogan; Freddie Cullen, Ian Campbell, Michael Coughlan; Stuart Johnston, Stephen Griffin, Shane Conneely.
Subs: Joe Campbell for Cullen (inj ht); Johnathan O'Driscoll for Brian Griffin (41).

Na Rossa: John P McCready; Brian Breslin, Daniel M Melly, Brian O'Donnell; John McDyre, Johnny Bonner, Sean McMonagle; Oisin Caulfield, John P Breslin; Mark Bonner, Adam McHugh, Ryan Hennessey; Cillian Bonner, Adrian Hanlon, Aidan McHugh.
Subs: Shane McGeehin for JP Breslin (ht); Conan Boyle for M Bonner; Donal Trimble for Hennessey.

Referee: Mark McGlinchey