NAOMH COLUMBA HAD Michael Maguire to thank for scoring the only goal of the game in their IFC opening round win over Naomh Bríd.
Naomh Columba 1-8 Naomh Bríd 0-7
Maguire, who featured for Donegal under John Joe Doherty up until 2010, netted in the 34th minute of the first half and the decisive score it proved to be.
Lining out at full-back, Maguire rifled past Stephen Doherty following a three-man move to give the hosts a 1-4 to 0-2 at the break in this Group A fixture with Clooughaneely and Gaeil Fhánada making up what will prove to be a competitive pool.
Pauric Cunninham’s two frees in the first 10 minutes with the wind got Naomh Columba off to a decent start.
After Paul McGrory opened the Naomh Bríd account, Ryan Gillespie’s score made it 0-4 to 0-1 for Naomh Columba, only for Callum Gallagher to pull another one back for the visitors.
However, Maguire’s goal put a healthier complexion on the first half, following which Naomh Columba were five points in front.
That lead remained in part two as with 15 minutes to go, Naomh Columba were 1-6 to 0-5 up with Gearoid Gallagher keeping Naomh Bríd in touch.
However, the visitors then lost Eoin McGarrigle to a serious looking injury late on and in the injury time that followed, only another Gallagher free followed for Naomh Bríd.
Naomh Columba: Pauric O’Donnell; Conor Carr, Michael Maguire (1-0), Kieran McBrearty; Philip Doherty, Barry Carr, Pauric Ward; Paddy Byrne, Stephen Jones; Martin Cunningham, Ryan Gillespie (0-3,3f), Ryan McNern; Pauric O’Neill, Pauric Cunningham (0-4,3f), Gavin McGinley. Subs: Christopher Byrne for G McGinley and Philip McNern (0-1) for R McNern (both ht), Kevin McNern for Jones (55), Ryan McNern for B Carr (66).
Naomh Brid: Stephen Doherty; Michael Gallagher, Jamie Timoney, Maurice Quinn; Eoin McGarrigle, Sean Gormley, Alan Quinn; Pauric Gormley, Paul McGrory (0-2), Gearoid Gallagher (0-3,2f), Callum Gallagher (0-1,f), Eoghan Quinn; Declan McCafferty, Dermot Langan (0-1), Clint Walsh. Subs., Conal Rooney for J Timoney (20), Gerard Martin for C Gallagher (33, black card), Owen Harron for M Quinn (41), Matthew McClay for A Quinn (52); Alan Quinn for E McGarrigle (55).
Referee: Liam McConigley (Downings).
