Naomh Conaill overcome Cloich Cheann Fhaola to reach Senior Gaeltacht semi-final

Naomh Conaill got their defence of their All-Ireland Gaeltacht crown off to a successful start against Cloich Cheann Fhaola in Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo.

Naomh Conaill 4-12

Cloich Cheann Fhaola  1-11

Donegal champions, Cloich Cheann Fhaola, bowed out of the Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta but not before putting it up to the All-Ireland champions.

Naomh Conaill led by 1-6 to 0-7 at half-time, thanks mainly to the accuracy of Dermot Brick Molloy, who accounted for 1-5 of their first half total.

A second goal from Ultan Doherty, created by Ethan O'Donnell, early in the second half put Naomh Conaill six points clear. Cloich Cheann Fhaola had a great chance to cut the deficit but Denis Boyle's penalty came back off a post.

But they did get a goal back with ten minutes left from John Fitzgerald to leave just four points between the sides, but a third Naomh Conaill goal in the 53rd minute  from Ethan O'Donnell sealed the contest.

Indeed the Donegal county panellist Ethan O'Donnell added a fourth goal before the final whistle. However, O'Donnell must return home this evening as he is wanted for the Donegal seniors training camp on Sunday and Monday.

Naomh Conaill will meet Cill na Martra of Cork in the semi-final which will be shown live on TG4 on Sunday evening at  5.45

BIG DEFEATS FOR DONEGAL GIRLS

Two of Donegal's ladies teams - at senior and junior level - are also out of the Gaeltacht competition. Glenfin surprisingly lost out to Claregalway by 3-12 to 0-7 after leading 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time.

The junior representatives, Naomh Muire, Lower Rosses were heavily defeated by Naomh Eanna, Leitir Mór from Galway.