Naomh Columba set up huge SFC derby clash with Kilcar

Naomh Columba 1-19 Ardara 1-10

It was a day that had been circled in the Naomh Columba calendar for some time. At the start of play, they knew nothing less than victory would do if they were to keep their championship hopes alive.

And they delivered. The home side made the perfect start when Aaron Doherty opened the scoring, but Ardara were quickly into their stride with the aid of a strong first-half wind.

Shane Sweeney landed Ardara’s first two-pointer before Darragh Cunningham responded for Naomh Columba.

Aaron Doherty then converted a free and Paul O’Hare added another point before Eoghan Ban McNellis struck twice from frees to put Ardara 0-6 to 0-4 ahead.

Naomh Columba, however, refused to be blown off course.

Lanty Molloy narrowed the gap before Kevin McNern found the net to swing the momentum firmly in favour of the home team.

Points from Shane Callaghan, who was outstanding throughout, Alex Cunnea and Darragh Cunningham stretched Naomh Columba’s advantage, with Eoghan Gallagher replying for Ardara.

At the interval, Naomh Columba held a precious 1-9 to 0-7 lead.

They extended that advantage immediately after the restart when Padraig Byrne split the posts from a 45, followed by a two-pointer from Shane Callaghan.

Further scores from Callaghan and Lanty Molloy midway through the half appeared to have put Naomh Columba in complete control.

But Ardara were not finished.

Half-time substitute KJ Molloy breathed new life into their challenge, scoring 1-2. His goal came after a Shane Sweeney free dropped into the danger area and Molloy reacted quickest to smash the ball into the net.

Suddenly, the contest had a different feel. With the clock ticking down, though, Naomh Columba showed their composure.

Michael Callaghan struck a point from play before landing a two-pointer, and his brother Shane followed with another two-pointer as the home side surged clear again.

The closing stages were frantic. Aaron Doherty and KJ Molloy both struck the woodwork, while Ardara’s Danny Walsh saw a late effort flash just the wrong side of the post.

Then came the final whistle. Naomh Columba had their first Senior Championship victory since 2005 - and, thanks to results elsewhere, a place in the preliminary quarter-finals.

A long wait had finally come to an end, and their championship adventure goes on with an exciting south-west derby clash with Kilcar next on the horizon.

Naomh Columba scorers: Shane Callaghan 0-7, 2tp, 1f; Aaron Doherty 0-2, 1f; Darragh Cunningham and Lanty Molloy 0-2 each; Michael Callaghan 0-3, 1tp; Alex Cunnea and Paul O’Hare 0-1 each; Padraig Byrne 0-1, 1 45; Kevin McNern 1-0.

Ardara scorers: Eoghan Ban McNellis 0-4, 2tp, 2f; KJ Molloy 1-2; Shane Sweeney 0-2, 1tp, 1f; Eoghan Gallagher 0-1.

Naomh Columba: Padraig Byrne; Stephen Callaghan, Phillip Doherty, Philip McNern; Pauric Ward, Aaron Doherty, Pauric Hegarty, Fionn Gallagher, Eric Carr, Darragh Cunningham, Paul O’Hare, Alex Cunnea, Shane Callaghan, Kevin McNern, Lanty Molloy. Subs: Ryan McNern for Darragh Cunningham, Michael Callaghan.

Ardara: Patrick Gallagher; Adam McGill, Shane Whyte, Joe Melly; Kevin Whyte, Paddy McGrath, Darragh Hennigan, Eoghan Gallagher, John Ross Molloy; Josh Malley, Kyle McHugh, Cailum Malley, Eoghan Ban McNellis, Shane Sweeney, Danny Walsh.

Subs: Kian McCabe for Kevin Whyte, KJ Molloy for Joe Melly, Lorcan O’Donnell for Kyle McHugh, Jamie Elliott for Cailum Malley.

Referee: Marc Brown (Four Masters).