Ballyshannon power past Donegal Town in local derby at Lakeside

Ballyshannon, after a five year hiatus, came back with a bang in just their second game of the season with a big win over local rivals Donegal Town at the Lakeside on Saturday.

It was the Donegal Town club’s second string and in the end the fitness levels that made the difference.

Donegal Town started very well and were physically stronger than ‘Shannon for the opening 15 minutes. They were parked in the Ballyshannon half and the pressure told when Jimmy Brogan forced his way over for the opening try. His score meant that the local Councillor has scored in every season since he made his debut back in 1995. The try was converted by Hugh Morrow but the score seemed to awaken Ballyshannon.


Donegal Town 2nd XV 

The home side were back on level terms within a minute thanks to a couple of quick penalties with Paul Kerrigan sending Mark O’Shea away and prop forward Danny Breen hit the conversion, the first of an excellent kicking performance.

Five minutes later ‘Shannon were on their way when Mark O’Shea and Callum Doherty Craig created the opening for Daire Gallagher to drive over with Breen converting.

Before half-time Bradshaw added a third try while Breen converted and also converted a penalty to leave the home side ahead 24-7 at the break.

The second half was mostly one-way traffic with Mark O’Shea, in particular, making breaks at will while Dara Keown also showed his experience.

‘Shannon added tries through O’Shea (3), Conall and Killian Bradshaw, Tommy Clyne, Darren Gillespie and Cian Bardon. One of those tries from Bardon came after a rampaging run from Paul Dooley. 

Donegal Town valiantly kept going and were rewarded with a penalty try. 

It was a good day for ‘Shannon and the win, while against a makeshift Donegal Town, will give them confidence going forward for players and coaches David Hoey and John McIntyre.

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Ballyshannon: Mark Gethins, Paul Dooley, Danny Breen, Phil Cleal, Aiden Murray Daniel McGullion, Daire Gallagher, Darren Gillespie, Paul Kerrigan, Cian Barden, Tommy Clyne, Mark O’Shea, Johnny Coyle, Daire McDevitt, Daire Keown.

Replacements: Callum Doherty Craig, Killian Bradshaw, Shane Duffy, James McIntyre Conall Bradshaw, Adam Clarke.

Donegal Town: Rob Hannifan, Colton Friel, Dermot Gildea, Laurie McCaughan, Oliver Boyle, Eddie Gallagher, Cian Donoghue, Jimmy Brogan, Hugh Morrow, David Murray, Ultan O’Shea, Cormac Carr, Iarlaith Cox, Gerard Meehan, Vinny Murray.

Replacements: Daithi Gallagher, Callum Gallagher.

Referee: Lucas Patterson