McShea’s Say: Depleted Donegal do just enough against Louth 

The weather in Ballyshannon on Sunday was like a day in July, the new playing surface was like a billard table at Fr Tierney Park and the 4,000 spectators anticipated a good game of football. 

Donegal and Louth arrived in Ireland’s oldest town with different objectives. Donegal coveted the two points on offer to continue their march back to Division 1 while the team from the "Wee County "wanted to deliver to ensure that relegation to the third tier of football was not their lot. 

Louth, in this campaign, lost to Armagh by a point and they got a draw in Kingspan Breffini Park against Cavan. Those results confirmed that this Louth side are a good outfit and they asked many questions of the home team.

Donegal won on Sunday but not convincingly. And when, after enjoying the benefit of the breeze in the first half, they only reached the break with a two-point lead at 0-9 to 0-7, many home followers were more than a little worried that a surprise result could be on the cards. 

It only takes a slight tilt in the balance to make a potential win by a few of points end up a loss by the same margin. 

These little chinks only become obvious when a big game is lost but with Dublin, Kerry and Derry around there are a lot of big games in store this year. 

On Sunday, the pressure on the home side was a factor in that first half. Louth's defensive structure with their tight, compact lines was brilliant, and their patterns and pace on the break threatening. 

Matches are won on days like this when you are up against it. Days when you are depleted with injuries, and possibly tired after a hectic schedule will happen. 

These tight games are won on moments of quality such as Patrick McBrearty provided with his wonderful point from the sideline in that first half, an inspirational score. 

His composure, scoring eight points, and his calmness were some of the reasons that his was a ‘man of the match’ display.

In the second half, Donegal regained their most precious commodity, confidence, and their capacity to match Louth score for score was vital.

It did seem that a goal would be a big score in the match and while there was a degree of good fortune about their goal, it gave Donegal a visable boost at a crucial time in proceedings.

Daire Ó  Baoill’s attempt for a point fell short and was well won by Hugh McFadden. The Killybegs man laid the ball off to Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí who finished to the net for the defining score of the game.

It is always a positive sign of a team that has the ability to prevail when not firing on all cylinders and Donegal were not at their best against Louth.

In the Donegal defence that missed the calming influence of Brendan McCole, Caolan McGonagle gave an excellent display.

Caolan knows what he wants, he wants to win. He does not play for show. He is a fine team player who is always happy to play a key role in the best interests of the team.

Peadar Mogan and Ryan McHugh are both in a rich vein of form and with Kildare and Meath next on the horizon, it seems that Donegal are very well-placed to return to the top tier of league football in the coming weeks.      

Deepest sympathies 

The sad news of Jarlath Ruane’s passing last Sunday has caused great heartache to all of us who were lucky enough to know him. 

Jarlath was a young man of fine character, remarkable unselfish and he was a very valued friend who earned everyone’s respect.

To his parents Adrian and Mary Ruane, his partner Chika Tokunaga, his grandparents Brian and Cautie McEniff and their extended families, I extend my sincere sympathies on their heartbreaking loss.