Aodh Ruadh happy to defy critics with super SFC win over big dogs Gaoth Dobhair

The expression on the face of Aodh Ruadh’s man of the match Philip Patton was one of relief and delight after their excellent 2-8 to 0-9 victory over Gaoth Dobhair.

A below par display against Four Masters last weekend tended to reinforce the perception that the Ballyshannon men were one of the more negative sides around.

That now seems a tad unfair, as they showed real quality in two lightning counterattacks that yielded two snap goals that turned this game on its head.

Patton set up both goals and also landed three points in a memorable display for the hosts.

“It’s a really good feeling to get this win as we were flat last week against Four Masters,” he explained. “But I think we showed today that we are up there and we just have to keep improving,”

When asked what was the spark for this much-improved display, he said: “I think that being back up here on your own pitch as well is a factor.

“For the past few years, we were knocking on the door against Gaoth Dobhair but not getting there, so this is a good win for us.

“We were unlucky last year as we could have beaten them in the championship but we just wanted to show that we are there again. We hope to win every game now and keep the momentum going.”

On the two crucial goals he explained: ”It is down to the pace we have. John McNulty and his management team have us in great condition.

“The first one, I saw Eamon McGrath was clean through and I gave it to him and for the second one Shane McGrath won the ball and I got lucky and flicked the ball soccer style to Darren Drummond and he showed great strength to finish in style.

“Darren and David Dolan were back today and their physique made a big difference inside.

“Last week we were slow and ponderous but we would like to think that this is the real Aodh Ruadh.”