'We’re simply devastated'  - Tony Boyle on Dungloe’s Ulster JFC final loss 

Dungloe manager Tony Boyle was so disappointed after losing out on an Ulster junior title by the narrowest of margins on Sunday.

Dungloe, who were the dominant team for most of the 60-plus minutes, lost out by a single point to Derry champions Lavey on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-13 at Healy Park, Omagh.  

“We are devastated to go so close and to fall short by a point in a game we controlled for long periods,” was how the 1992 All-Ireland winner summed up his and the team's feelings in the aftermath of the game. 

“We left a lot of scores behind us, which was down to a wee bit of nervousness in front of goals.

“But I also felt we had to work harder for frees than Lavey and there were a number of big turning points, especially for their second goal. 

“Look it wasn’t to be, we came up short and it is devastating for the girls. We played all the football in the first-half and were only level at half-time. We had at least two goal chances, possibly three and kicked a good few wides.

“It was probably a little bit of inexperience in front of goal that’s cost us. If we had taken our points instead of trying to work goals we would have been well ahead. 

Instead, Dungloe were only level, 0-9 to 1-6, at the break after dominating the game up until that point.

“We started the second-half well and went five up but we always knew they were going to come back at us.

“But there was a big call that went against us. I felt Elisha Boyle was fouled but the referee let the play continue and it ended up a sideline ball for Lavey.

“And two kicks later the ball was in the back of the net. That was a massive turning point and hard to take. But we still had chances to get it to extra time. But it wasn’t to be.

“It has been a good season but when you are 60 minutes away from an Ulster title it has ended in devastation and disappointment.

“These girls had nothing to be sad about. It has been a phenomenal season. To win every junior competition in Donegal and to get to an Ulster final has been a great achievement.

“Obviously, we are going to hurt for a while. But we will learn from this and we will come back next year and have a crack at winning the intermediate championship.”