Magnificent Masters reach final of the Ulster Minor Football Tournament

After another magnificent performance in difficult playing conditions, Four Masters minors are through to the final of the Ulster Minor Football Tournament.

Four Masters 1-8
Donaghmore 0-5

At a blustery Shaws Road in Belfast, Four Masters took full advantage of the elements in the first half against the Tyrone champions to take a 1-5 to 0-0 lead to the dressing room at half-time.

The Donegal champions, who have been unbeaten at championship football since U-12, again proved their battling qualities against a very good Donaghmore side.

The Donegal champions had already won two games in the championship, defeating Fermanagh champions, Irvinestown, in the preliminary round while they overcame a strong Clan na Gael of Armagh in the quarter-final by 1-10 to 1-9.

In this semi-final the boys from Donegal Town put on one of their best displays ever, denying the Tyrone champions a score in the opening half and when they had to play against the strong, cold wind in the second half, they dominated the final quarter to run out easier than expected winners in the end.

They had their opening point from full-forward Daniel Quinn after two minutes and then struck for their goal on six minutes. Conor Meehan cut out a kick-out by the ‘keeper and punished in style.

Meehan added two more points, one from a free while Caolan Sweeney added another on 14 minutes. Meehan also added their fifth point of the half in the second quarter to leave them 1-5 to no score ahead with the second half to come.

The Tyrone side did add four points in the third quarter but Four Masters then took control again. Young Turlough Carr came into the game and was magnificent in controlling the tempo and keeping the ball as they frustrated Donaghmore.
Conor Meehan converted a free and Seanan Carr, also outstanding throughout, added a seventh point before Meehan completed the Four Masters scoring, while Donaghmore could only manage one further point.

Apart from the Carrs, Callum McCrea, David Monaghan, John Bell, Conor Meehan and Kevin Muldoon. But this was a great all-round display from Damien Dunnion’s side, who will now meet Derry champions, Dungiven, in the Ulster final on New Year’s Day back at the home of St Paul’s, Shaws Road, Belfast.

Four Masters scorers: Conor Meehan 1-5, 3f, Daniel Quinn, Caolan Sweeney, Seanan Carr 0-1 each.

Four Masters: Daniel McGinty; Theo Colhoun, Fiachra O’Donnell, Terence McGovern; Leo McGowan, David Monaghan, Caolan Sweeney; John Bell, Jake Graham; Conor McCahill, Seanán Carr, Kevin Muldoon; Conor Meehan, Daniel Quinn, Callum McCrea. Subs: Turlough Carr for D Quinn; Oisin Doherty for C Meehan; Daniel McIntyre for McCahill.