Donegal captain Jordi Gribben with Fermanagh captain Conor Mulligan and referee Neil McGeown (Armagh)
Donegal minors had it very much their own way in the opening game of the Ulster Minor Championship on Saturday last in Donagh as they defeated Fermanagh by 3-13 to 1-4.
They were never really troubled once they led by six points at the break, 2-4 to 0-4, after playing into the teeth of Storm Kathleen.
Those two first half goals were vital and team captain, Gaoth Dobhair’s Jordi Gribben, was really happy with his team’s performance.
“Yeah, look we have big Paddy (Ward) in full-forward and he got the two goals. It was very difficult playing against that breeze. I suppose we were lucky with that second goal. Conor (McCahill) shot and the breeze caught it and he tapped it in.
“Once we got hold of the breaking balls we were all over them. So looking forward now to the next game against Tyrone in Ballybofey,” said Gribben.
The strong wind was a factor in the game and Gribben said it was very difficult to play as well in the second half.
“The breeze, it did take some time to get used to it. It doesn’t help you every time. Once we got used to it we were flying. We got a goal and nine points in the second half. Conor McCahill opened up.”
Fermanagh did get a goal near the end and they also forced a good save from Donegal ‘keeper Padraig McBride, a clubmate of Gribben’s, whom he rates highly.
“Padraig (McBride), since last year he has turned into a goalkeeper. He is more of a forward for the club, but he is a talent. His kick-outs are excellent. He has the experience from the soccer in nets, so that is a big help.”
McBride is one of the new breed of GAA ‘keepers, who is always coming out the field to get involved in the play and the captain feels it is the way to go.
“It’s a high risk, high reward kind of scenario. If it comes off we’re through on goal but if they catch it we’re very open at the back. We are willing to take that risk for the team.”
It has been a good year for the big Gaoth Dobhair contingent on the team (five in defence and one in attack) and also for Gribben personally as he has already captained Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair to an All-Ireland soccer title.
“It’s a massive honour, especially to be captain of these boys, a great bunch of lads. Hopefully, we have some silverware to lift at the end of this season.”
On Saturday in MacCumhaill Park, the Donegal side will face a much tougher test with Tyrone arriving and Gribben says they will have to match them.
“Tyrone, we know what they are going to come with. And we’re just going to have to match them and that’s all we’re going to do,” said Gribben, who agreed they would know more about themselves after this Saturday’s game.
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