Aodh Ruadh condemn Glenfin to relegation play-off final with facile win

Aodh Ruadh turned in their best display of the year after this most impressive win over wasteful Glenfin under lights in Ardara.

Colm McGloin and Darren Drummond got the goals and keeper Peter Boyle hit three stunning two-pointers, with Nathan Boyle and Eamon McGrath weighing in with one each.

But Glenfin will certainly rue 13 wides, many from easy chances over the hour.

The foundations for victory were laid in the opening half when a rampant Aodh Ruadh led by 0-13 to 0-4.

And although Glenfin had a brief flurry in the third quarter when Shaun Ward landed a few two-pointers, the result was never in doubt.

Aodh Ruadh had a brilliant start when Nathan Boyle hoisted over a great two-pointer after just two minutes.

That set the pattern as an impressive Aodh Ruadh took a firm grip.

The lively Seaghan McCormick pointed for Glenfin, but Eamon McGrath belted over another two- pointer to put Aodh Ruadh into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead.

McCormick and the jinking Jack Gallagher swapped points, and Luke McGlynn landed a free for Glenfin as Ballyshannon led by 0-5 to 0-3.

But two fine points from Colm McGloin and a superb left-footed effort from Nathan Boyle put the winners into a 0-7 to 0-3 lead.

Peter Boyle then converted the first of his three two-pointers, with Gallagher tacking on a single to put Aodh Ruadh into a 0-10 to 0-3 lead.

Shaun Ward responded for Glenfin, who had racked up seven wides by this stage.

Boyle landed his second two-pointer from a free as Aodh Ruadh led by 0-13 to 0-4 at the break.

But this game was effectively sealed when Gallagher made a great run to set up Colm McGloin for a cracking goal.

Behind by 1-14 to 0-4, there was no way back for Glenfin, although they battled hard.

And at the Aodh Ruadh end, Boyle pulled off a fine stop from Shaun Ward at point-blank range.

Shaun Ward converted a 45 and Jason Morrow hit a fine two-pointer to leave the score at Aodh Ruadh 1-14 Glenfin 0-7.

An Aodh Ruadh breach resulted in a two-pointer from Ward.

But Boyle nailed his third two-pointer to put Ballyshannon into a 1-16 to 0-9 lead.

Veteran substitute Darren Drummond then got on the end of a flowing move and goaled for Aodh Ruadh.

Glenfin could only manage two more points from Stephen Ward, as did Aodh Ruadh per frees from sub Eoin Cassidy, to make them safe for this season.

Glenfin now meet Killybegs in a sink-or-swim affair, while Aodh Ruadh will be pleased to end their losing streak this year.

Aodh Ruadh scorers: Peter Boyle 0-6,1tp; Colm McGloin 1-1; Darren Drummond 1-0; Nathan Boyle 0-3,1tp; Jack Gallagher 0-4; Eamon McGrath 0-2tp; Eoin Cassidy 0-2f;

Glenfin scorers: Shaun Ward 0-7,2tp; Jason Morrow 0-2tp; Seaghan McCormick 0-2; Luke McGlynn 0-2.

Aodh Ruadh: Peter Boyle; Shane Delahunty, Michael Ward, Kyle Murray; Garreth Brennan, Eoin Kelly, Eddie Lynch; Eamon McGrath, Matt Gillespie; Colm McGloin, Jack Gallagher, Darragh Flood Dolan; Philip Patton, David Dolan, Nathan Boyle.

Subs: Darren Drummond for David Dolan (43), Eoin Cassidy for Nathan Boyle (49), Donagh McIntyre for Jack Gallagher (53), Senan Rooney for Colm McGloin.

Glenfin: Jamie O’Donnell; Martin O’Donnell, John Harkin, Jack Marley; Oisin McGlynn, Ross Marley, Jack Long; Stephen Ward, Jason Morrow; Shaun Ward, Karl McGlynn, Seaghan McCormick; Odhran O’Connor, Luke McGlynn, Daniel McGlynn.

Subs: Frank McGlynn for Jack Marley (39), Callum Long for Jack Long (50).

Referee: Cathal Gallagher (Glenswilly).