Donegal U-20 hurling boss Adie Gaffey disappointed but proud after Shield loss

Adie Gaffey says his side fought right to the end of Sunday’s Ulster U-20 Hurling Shield final loss to Tyrone. 

Four points was the margin between the sides after the visitors to Garvaghy conceded two early goals and trailed by three points at half-time having played with the advantage of the strong breeze in the opening 30 minutes.  

“We were not happy with our first half performance,” said Gaffey after the 2-7 to 0-9 loss. “We found it difficult to get into the game and to get our shots off in the first-half.

“We changed a few things around at half-time and made a number of changes in the second half and we were a different team.

“We got stuck in and all of a sudden we started to win the breaking ball and get our shots off. 

Unfortunately, we did not get the goal we needed though I thought we should have a penalty near the end. Things like that make the difference and it just didn’t fall our way today.

“But we were really happy with the second-half performance. The workrate right through the team was extremely good overall and that is all we ask for from players.”

The four-point defeat was a big turnaround from the 15-point hammering inflicted by Tyrone, in the first round meeting in Convoy, at the beginning of last month.

Tyrone won that game on a scoreline of 7-8 to 2-8 at the Donegal Training Centre.    

“We were very porous the first day and conceded a lot of goals. We knew coming here today that we were going to have to tighten up from the word go. 

“I know they got in for two early goals. But apart from that we did really well in defence and until the closing minutes when they were awarded a penalty we kept them out. 

“Fair play to Joseph Patton, he pulled off a brilliant save from the penalty. He is a very good young goalkeeper. The save kept us in the game right to the final whistle.

“We are disappointed with the result. But I think on the second-half performance the lads showed what they are capable of. ” 

Next up for Donegal is the All-Ireland U-21 B championship.

“That starts in three weeks’ time but we don’t know our opposition. The draw hasn’t been made. But we will go away and train now and get ready for whoever the draw throws up.”