Michael McSorley’s heroics propel St Patrick’s to victory over Donegal Southwest

Michael McSorley’s crucial goal just before half-time proved to be the turning point as St Patrick’s, Armagh secured the top position in Section A with a hard-fought 2-7 to 1-9 victory over Donegal Southwest at Garvaghey. 

Armagh had been on the back foot for much of the opening half, but a rapid counter-attack in the 28th minute saw McSorley find the back of the net, transforming the scoreline to 1-1 to 0-5 in favour of the Armagh side as they headed into the interval. 

Before that, Donegal Southwest had dominated proceedings. Full-forward Danny Brown was particularly impressive, notching three points, while goalkeeper Padraig McBride and Shane Callaghan also contributed to the tally. 

However, after the break, Donegal struggled to rediscover their rhythm, failing to register a score during the third quarter. In contrast, Armagh seized control, with spectacular long-range points from half-backs Ryan McGahan and Aodhan McGrane. McSorley and Cathaoir Hughes also added to the scoreboard, maintaining the pressure. 

A costly error by Donegal goalkeeper McBride allowed Caomh Agnew to pounce for a goal, and Agnew followed it up with a point, capping a 2-5 unanswered streak for Armagh. 

Donegal eventually rallied and clawed their way back into contention. Danny Brown ended their scoring drought with a free, quickly adding another from open play, while Callaghan chipped in as well. Centre half-back Jordi Gribben added a superb effort over the bar, and moments later, midfielder Darragh Hennigan connected brilliantly to volley the ball into the net, bringing the sides level at 2-6 to 1-9 with 10 minutes remaining. 

The momentum seemed to be with Donegal Southwest, but McSorley held his composure to slot a difficult free from the left, giving Armagh the edge once again. 

In a dramatic final attack, Donegal won a free, knowing only a goal would suffice to claim the top spot. Callaghan’s strike was powerful but was deflected onto the crossbar, sealing victory for the Armagh side. 

Donegal Southwest scorers: D Brown 0-5, 3fs; D Hennigan 1-0; S Callaghan 0-2, 1f; P McBride 1f, and J Gribben 0-1 each 
St Patrick’s scorers: M McSorley 1-3, 2f; C Agnew 1-1; R McGahan, A McGrane and C Hughes 0-1 each 

Donegal Southwest: Padraig Mac Giolla Bhríde; Cathal Mac Aoidh, Thomas McDevitt, Liam Breathnach; Aaron Neely, Jordi Gribben, Cathal Ó Gallachóir; Darragh Hennigan, Ethan Byrne; Alex Cunnea, Shane Callaghan, Max Campbell; Cianan McDaid, Danny Brown, Patrick O’Donnell. Subs: Eoghan ‘Ban’ McNelis and Colm Ó Dochartaigh for Neely and O’Donnell (39 mins), Shane Sweeney and Gavin Sweeney for Byrne and McDaid (36 mins). 

St Patrick’s: Conal McCan; Tiernan Moore, Donncha Gribben, Ryan Dynes; Aodhan McGrane, Ryan McGahan, Ryan McQuade; Darragh Jordan, Michael McSorley; Caomh Agnew, Turlough Muldoon, Daniel Cullen; Cathaoir Hughes, Jack Daly, Oisin Gribben. Subs: Matthew Daly for Hughes (42 mins), Dara Gillen for Dynes (52 mins). 

Referee: Kieran Eannetta (Tyrone)