By Charlie Collins
Gaoth Dobhair 0-11 v 0-09 Glenswilly
Three late points gave Gweedore a hard earned victory over Glenswilly which had led throughout a brilliant final.
The holders Gweedore were putting their Under 21A championship title on the line against last year’s B champions in O Donnell Park after both teams had made it through from the same Group.
Gweedore had won their clash in Maghergallon to top the group and then beat Naomh Conaill in the semi-final, while Glenswilly beat Aodh Rua in a quarter-final and then Termon for a second time in the semi-final.
Gweedore were most people’s favourites but knew Glenswilly would present a tough challenge if they were to retain their title.
Glenswilly began well with a mark score from Keelan Dunleavy and one from play by Eoghan Scott. Johnny McBride opened Gweedore’s account from a free but Emmet O Boyle scored from play to make it 0-03 to 0-01 to Glenswilly.
Eoin De Burca got Gweedore’s second and then Stephen McFadden had a great goal chance but pulled his shot wide of the post from close range. Eoghan Scott kicked an excellent point and Keelan Dunleavy converted a free after Referee James Connors had spotted him been held inside, 0-05 to 0-02
Donal McBride replied for Gweedore but Dunleavy added his third from another free and Glenswilly led by 0-06 to 0-03 at half-time.
Keelan Dunleavy added his fourth point from a free in Glenswilly’s first attack of the second-half and their lead was now four in a low scoring game Gweedore were having most of the possession but finding scoring difficult against a resolute Glenswilly defence.
Then came three in a row fro Aodhan Breathnach, Johnny McBride and Cian McEntee, all from play and suddenly there was just a point between them, 0-07 to 0-06.
But back came Glenswilly with two Keelan Dunleavy frees and with ten minutes left Glenswilly led again by three and we were set up for a grandstand finish it seemed. Johnny McBride kicked a point, Keelan Dunleavy missed a free as darkness fell, Stephen McFadden’s free left a point between them as the excitement increased.
Gweedore were now on top and points by Aodhan Breathnach and two from sub Cronan McFadden as time ran out gave Gweedore victory in a final that was a credit to both teams.
Gaoth Dobhair: Daithi Roberts, Sean Noel McFadden, Sean Gallagher, Aodan Breathnach (0-02) Daire Ferry, Adam McGeever, Johnny O’Donnell, Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhríde (0-01), Stephen McFadden (0-01), Cian McEntee (0-01), Fionan Coyle, Cain McBride, Johnny McBride (0-03), Eoin De Burca (0-01), James Doherty. Subs: Cathal De Burca for Cian McBride (25mins), Cronan McFadden (0-02), for Ferry (42mins).
Glenswilly: John Quinn, Jamie McCauley, Jake Kelly, Oisin McDaid, Gerard Shiels, Mikey Toner, Donal Gallagher, Jack Gallagher, Sean Collum, Gary Kelly, Darragh Enright, Reid Kelly, Emmet O Boyle (0-01), Eoghan Scott (0-02), Keelan Dunleavy (0-06). Subs: Dylan McAteer for McDaid (11mins), Oisin McGrenra for O Boyle (57mins).
Referee: James Connors (St. Eunans).
