Late Conneely goal gives Killybegs narrow victory over local rivals Ardara

In a grandstand finish in Fintra, Ben Conneely was the Killybegs hero as he was on hand to fire home a goal to win the game against Ardara.

At that stage it looked as if Ardara were on their way as they dominated the second half with the elements at their back and led by two points with time almost up.

The locals had the elements in the opening half but the game was very close in the first quarter with the sides sharing six points. CJ Molloy and Jack McSharry traded early scores, as did Ryan Cunningham and Jonathan McHugh.

Nicholas Breslin edged Ardara ahead on 10 minutes by Ryan Cunninghan with a free from the sideline levelled matters. 

Then came the opening goal with Ardara caught napping in midfield and Jack McSharry was played in to fire home.

CJ Molloy responded with a free but McSharry hit three more before the break, from long range frees and a sideline and the final one being disputed by an umpire but judged over by referee Connie Doherty.

Half-time: Killybegs 1-6, Ardara 0-4.

Killybegs and Ardara players battle for the ball in Fintra Picture: Thomas Gallagher

It didn’t take Ardara long to get on terms when they had the wind at their backs. Jonathan McHugh had a goal after a minute and Niall McCrossan followed with a free before Callum Malley had the sides level on 40 minutes.

By the 46th minute Niall McCrossan (2) and CJ Molloy pushed Ardara three clear and looking good. Rory Colyer pulled a point back with seven minutes left in a rare incursion into the Ardara half of the field.

Then came the late drama with Conneely, just on the field, availing of a punched clearance from Ardara ‘keeper Gareth Concarr to slot home what proved to be a match winning score.

Killybegs scorers: Jack McSharry 1-4,2f; Ben Conneely 1-0; Ryan Cunningham 0-2,2f; Rory Colyer 0-1

Ardara scorers: Jonathan McHugh 1-1; CJ Molloy 0-3,2f,1sideline; Niall McCrossan 0-3, 3f; Nicholas Breslin, Callum Malley 0-1 each.

Killybegs: Corey Byrne; Owen Gallagher, Cillian Gildea, Eoin McGing; Charlie Breslin, Seamus Og Byrne, Ryan Carr; Mark  Finnerty, Rory  Colyer; Jon Bán Gallagher, Jack McSharry, Donal McGuire; Ryan Cunningham, Christopher Mulligan, Michael Callaghan.

Sub: Ben Conneely.

Ardara: Gareth Concarr; Charlie Bennett, Shane Mooney, Oisin O’Donnell; Danny Walsh, Nicholas Breslin, Shane Whyte; Callum Malley, Kevin Whyte; Jamie Elliott, Paul Walsh, Eoghan Gallagher; Jonathan McHugh, CJ Molloy, Paddy McGrath.

Subs: Niall McCrossan, Josh Malley.

Referee: Connie Doherty (Naomh Conaill)