Dungloe storm into Ulster minor final with convincing win over O’Donovan Rossa

Dungloe’s minor ladies secured a well-earned victory over O’Donovan Rossa in the Ulster Minor Championship semi-final on Sunday in Magherafelt.  

Leading for more than 50 minutes, Dungloe displayed composure and skill, spearheaded by an outstanding performance from Mia O’Donnell, who contributed an impressive 1-12 to her side’s total. 

Dungloe began strongly, moving into a 0-6 to 0-3 lead within the first quarter of an hour. Aine Walsh’s penalty save proved critical in maintaining their advantage, and although Aoife Gormley found the net for the home team, O’Donnell responded with a goal of her own.  

At half-time, Dungloe held a six-point cushion, leading 1-11 to 1-5. 

The Donegal side’s dominance continued in the second half as they added six unanswered points, doubling their lead. While Ava Hurl and Mary Shaw netted for Rossa late on, Dungloe’s resilience and clinical finishing secured their progression to the final. Millie Hanlon’s late goal, following excellent interplay with Ava Caulfield, sealed a memorable win. 

The match began with early exchanges of frees, Mia O’Donnell converting for Dungloe after Emma Wallace was fouled, and Niamh O’Donnell replying for Rossa.  

O’Donovan Rossa nearly struck first through Gormley, but Walsh’s penalty save and subsequent defensive heroics from Toni Boyle ensured the threat was neutralised.  

Dungloe’s response was immediate, with points from Nicole Bonner Gillespie, Mia O’Donnell, and captain Ulitah Boyle establishing a three-point lead. 

A goal from Gormley for O’Donovan Rossa reduced the deficit briefly, but Dungloe’s attacking threat remained relentless.  

O’Donnell responded with a stunning low strike into the bottom corner, followed by further points to restore control. 

The second half began with a flurry of scores from Dungloe, including points from Elisha Boyle, Ulitah Boyle, and O’Donnell. Despite Rossa’s late push, including Hurl’s goal off the crossbar rebound, Dungloe held firm. Substitutes made an impact, and Hanlon’s goal was the highlight of a strong team performance. 

O’Donovan Rossa managed a consolation goal in added time when Shaw converted from a deflected O’Donnell effort, but the outcome was never in doubt.  

Dungloe’s dominance across the pitch and key contributions from their leaders, especially O’Donnell, ensured a deserved place in the Ulster final. 

Dungloe scorers: Mia O’Donnell 1-12, 4fs; Ulitah Boyle 0-3; Millie Hanlon 1-0; Rhianna McCready 0-2; Nicole Bonner Gillespie, Elisha Boyle, and Emma Wallace 0-1 each. O’Donovan Rossa scorers: Niamh O’Donnell 0-7, 5fs; Ava Hurl 1-1; Mary Shaw and Aoife Gormley 1-0 each; Caoimhe Chambers 0-1. 

Dungloe: Áine Walsh; Sholah Ward, Ellie Ward, Isabella Sweeney; Erin O’Donnell, Nicole Bonner Gillespie, Alannah O’Donnell; Ulitah Boyle, Ava Caulfield; Elisha Boyle, Emma Wallace, Rhianna McCready; Mia O’Donnell, Toni Boyle, Ellie McGarvey. Subs: Claire Diver for McGarvey (44), Millie Hanlon for T Boyle (50), Caoimhe Gallagher for E O’Donnell (62).  

O’Donovan Rossa: Katie O’Kane; Cara Tohill, Mia Slevin, Aoibhinn Lloyd Evans; Aimee Murray, Dearbhla Quinn, Lily Hurl; Ella Doherty, Caoimhe Chambers; Ava Hurl, Niamh O’Donnell, Aoife Gormley; Mary Shaw, Orla McCartney, Anna Donnelly. Subs: Cassie McCloskey for E Doherty (43), Niamh McGuckin for L Hurl (48).  

Referee: Declan Carolan (Armagh).