Naomh Columba win much needed points as Realt na Mara suffer defeat again

Naomh Columba got the points they needed to keep their Division 1 dream alive with on Sunday afternoon against fellow league strugglers Realt na Mara in a game that could prove vital in terms of the league standing in a few weeks' time. 

The Seasiders remain last in the league on one point with two games left meaning one more slip and they will be destined for Division 2 next year, while Naomh Columba remain in the fight with five points alongside Glenfin and St Michael’s. 

The Bundoran side opened the score from Oran Gallagher before Christopher Byrne levelled in the opening minutes.  

Naomh Columba then took control scoring seven points with white flags being raised for from Shane Callaghan, Lanty Molloy, and Paul O Hare.   

A free from Anton Govorov  got one back for Bundoran but there was still a large deficit to close, with Naomh Columba winning 0-12 to 0-4 points at the break. 

Realt na Mara started second half the same way they started the first by getting the opening score, with Anton Govorov hitting over a free before Eric Carr kicked over. But the game was as good as up when Ryan McNern got Naomh Columba’s goal from close range on the 45th minute.   

But the Bundoran men kept the scoreboard ticking over with points from Lee Smyth, Kyle McNulty, and Anton Govorov, but it was too late at that point with Naomh Columba nailing over some final points from Padraig Byrne, Shane Callaghan, Michael Callaghan as they ran out comfortable winners. 

Scorers – Naomh Columba: Shane Callaghan 0-9, 4fs; Lanty Molloy 0-3; Ryan McNern 1-0; Paul O’Hare 0-2; Eric Carr, Christopher Byrne, Padraig Byrne 1 ‘45’, and Michael Callaghan 0-1 each. Realt na Mara: Anton Govorov 0-4, 4fs; Oran Gallagher 0-3; Kyle McNulty 0-2, 2fs; Lee Smyth, Oisin Walsh, Adam McGloin, and Michael McEniff 0-1 each. 

Naomh Columba: Shane O’Gara; Stephen Callaghan, Barry Carr, Phillip Doherty; Eric Carr, Paul O Hare, Pauric Hegarty; Christopher Byrne, Declan McGuire; Darragh Cunningham, Lanty Molloy, Ryan McNern; Shane Callaghan, Padraig Byrne, Ronan O Hare. Subs: Michael Callaghan, Ronan Gillespie, Sean Hardy, Kian Gillespie, and Adrian Breslin. 

Realt na Mara: Conor Carty; Mathew Tierney, Johnny Boyle, Lee Smyth; Oisin Walsh, Darragh Hoey, Mathew Duffy; Ciaran McCaughey, Niall Carr; Adam McGloin, Michael McEniff, Anton Govorov; Oran Gallagher, Kyle McNulty, Breandan Oats. Subs: Shane Moohan, Lorcan Long, Ryan Blanc.  

Referee: Shane Murrin (Killybegs)