McShea’s Say: Off the leash Naomh Conaill were simply awesome 

In Ballybofey on Sunday, Naomh Conaill played as if they did not want to be just okay, they wanted to be awesome. In pummelling Gaoth Dobhair, they delivered an impressive and indeed inspiring display. 

Over the years, many teams have failed to achieve their full potential. To reach the top in any sport requires more than innate physical ability. 

This Naomh Conaill team though has other characteristics. They have determination, perseverance, and dedication. And those are just some of the reasons why they have dominated football in Donegal over the last ten years. 

This was Naomh Conaill’s best display since they first emerged as serious contenders for honours in Donegal club football back in 2005. 

From throw-in, they played with an unflappable self-belief and the intensity of their approach never waned. This was a performance of grit and courage to warm the hearts - every man was a hero in their own right. 

Gaoth Dobhair were put the sword in merciless fashion and the only surprise in the end was the fact that there was only eight points in it.  

Naomh Conaill were very good on the pitch, and they were also excellent on the sideline. Most pundits had expected a cautious, defensive approach by both teams in this final but for Glenties, they flipped the script. 

The winners made a blistering start and their offensive approach had Gaoth Dobhair all over the place from the very first second. This latest championship win for Naomh Conaill was clearly built on self-belief, tenacity, and support play of the highest order. 

And in that respect, left half-back Ethan O’Donnell had no peers. Known for his industry, energy and high-octane output O’Donnell, in this game, surpassed his own high standards with his selfless foraging, nonstop running, and creative endeavour. 

Ciaran Thompson would have pushed Ethan hard for the ‘man of the match’ award as he pursued his free running attacking role in which he once again excelled. He also chipped in with three excellent points. 

Beside Thompson, Leo McLoone’s unselfish devotion to the cause produced another significant input, and there was no happier man after the game than Leo Snr, who was himself an excellent footballer. 

In attack, John O’Malley, Charlie McGuinness and Jeaic Mac Ceallbhuí provided valuable and visionary outlets from the back, while Brendan McDyer and Eunan Doherty used the ball cleverly and creatively. 

In the centre of their defence, Anthony Thompson and AJ Gallagher were once again rock solid, while Jason Campbell, Kevin McGettigan and Ultan Doherty played with tenacity and support play of the highest order.

One of the most improved players on this talented Glenties outfit is goalkeeper Stephen McGrath. His distribution has improved significantly and he reads the game very well. 

In the preview of this final most believed that substance would triumph over tradition, but the view coming out of Gaoth Dobhair was that they were arriving in Ballybofey in a most confident frame of mind .

The Magheragallon outfit were always a club that deserved the utmost respect, but their large number of fans who made the journey to support their team seemed genuinely shocked at the apathy of their first-half display. 

Indeed, most spectators believed that this game was over after just 20 minutes and so it proved. Some believed that Gaoth Dobhair’s run to this final would have galvanised the team. 

This was far from the case and Naomh Conaill were winning all the key battles. And apart from Michael Carroll, few Gaoth Dobhair players will have happy memories of such a disappointing day in the club’s proud tradition. 

The final was played in a good spirit and referee Enda McFeely had another very good game.

Aodh Ruadh triumph 

The SFC B final between Aodh Ruadh and Gaoth Dobhair was a very enjoyable game between two very well-matched teams and the result was in doubt until the closing minutes. 

Gaoth Dobhair battled until the last second and could be considered unfortunate not to get a draw. This young Ballyshannon outfit played with great pace and the quality of football from both teams was most impressive. 

In a match where a goal was always going to be crucial Ballyshannon’s Damien Weber, who was instrumental for a number of his side’s other scores, hit the opposition’s net midway through the second half and try as they might Gaoth Dobhair did not recover from conceding this three-pointer. 

Speaking to one of Aodh Ruadh’s best ever forwards, Michael McLoone, after this game, he was elated to see his club pick up silverware at senior level for the first time in 22 years.

At a well-attended county final, the professionalism of the stewards on duty was once again top-class as they carried out their duties in a most courteous fashion.