Killybegs native Seamus Coleman has been nominated for the FAI Young International Player of the Year award.

The Everton right-sided player faces competition from Simon Cox from West Bromich Albion and Darren O’Dea of Leeds United, while another two Donegal men has also been short-listed. Ramelton’s Kyle McFadden, who is on the books of Norwich City, is in the running for the U-16 International Player of the Year. He is joined by from Sam Byrne of Manchester United and Jack Grealish from Aston Villa. Also, Fanad United’s Shaun McElwaine is a nomination for Intermediate Player of the Year, fighting it out with Brendan O’Connell from Rockmount and Wayside Celtic’s Ray Whelehan.

Coleman’s rehabilitation following a six-week lay-off with a thigh strain continued on Tuesday afternoon when he made a goal in Everton’s 1-1 draw with rivals Liverpool at the Liverpool Academy.

The 23-year-old crossed for Apostolos Vellios to open the scoring for the team under the management of Alan Stubbs before Raheem Sterling levelled matters for Liverpool.

Coleman scored on his return for Everton’s second string last week against Newcastle United and then played 33 minutes for the first team against his former club Blackpool in a 2-0 FA Cup fifth round win at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Everton have no Premier League fixture this weekend as their scheduled opponents Liverpool are in the Carling Cup final against Cardiff City at Wembley on Sunday. Therefore, the former St Catherine’s and Sligo Rovers defender will turn his attention to making an impression on

Giovanni Trapattoni before Euro 2012 in the Republic of Ireland’s international friendly against Czech Republic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Wednesday.

“Glad to get my first 90 minutes since my injury under my belt,” Coleman tweeted.

The Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday has been named and coach Declan Kidney has opted for an unchanged lineup.

The inter-provincial semi finals took place last weekend in both hurling and football with the finals taking place this weekend. This was once a great competition, formerly known as the Railway Cup and the finals took place on St.Patrick’s Day.

After the All-Ireland finals, the Railway Cup fixture was the next most important date in the Gaa calendar. The All-Ireland club series now takes this honour. The decline in the inter-provincial competition is sad and unfortunate for all of us involved in the GAA but, most of all, for the players who feel greatly privileged to represent their respective provinces.

There is not a player in the country that would refuse an opportunity to play for his province, yet the competition is relegated to a process of going through the motions just to fulfil the fixtures.

The GAA authorities need to revive the competition so that our amateur players are given a proper stage to showcase their talents. Ulster, managed by Joe Kernan, easily beat Connaught in Markievicz Park in Sligo on Sunday. Donegal had three representatives in Neil McGee, Karl Lacey and Rory Kavanagh. The lads can now look forward to a meeting with Munster in the final this Sunday.

Elsewhere, Crossmaglen Rangers progressed to the All-Ireland club football final on St. Patrick’s Day after beating the highly rated Dr. Crokes from Killarney. The other semi-final saw Garrycastle from Westmeath beating St.Brigid’s of Roscommon. Crossmaglen will be strong favourites to retain their All-Ireland title.

Garrycastle were only formed in 1981 and it is a magnificent achievement to reach an All-Ireland senior club final in such a short period of time. Their opponents in the final Crossmaglen are the envy of every other club in the country and it will be difficult to see them lose to the Leinster champions. The club has won the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship on five occasions and are current champions. They have won the Ulster Senior Club Football Championship nine times and won the Armagh Senior Football Championship 39 times. Garrycastle will have a great day out though.

Our Donegal Vocational Schools team relinquished their All-Ireland title last Saturday when they were beaten by a very strong Cork team in Portarlington. It is always disappointing to lose any game and particularly an All-Ireland semi-final. That said, it is still an accomplishment to reach this stage of the competition and to be contesting All-Ireland semi-finals. These are only young lads and have great futures ahead of them. Surely, this augurs well for our county in the coming years. These youngsters will look back and will have learned much more from defeat than from victory.

And let’s not forget about our Donegal Ladies team. Unfortunately, Laois beat Donegal ladies in Mountmellick at the weekend but, have already secured a victory over Kildare the previous week. Donegal play in Division 1 of the national league and have come a long way since participating at junior level when ladies football was first played.

Most GAA clubs in Donegal can now field a senior ladies team and many have underage teams as well. Ladies football is growing momentum nationally with TG4 providing extensive coverage of live games. Donegal play Monaghan at a home venue yet to be confirmed on Sunday March 4th. So, get out and give our ladies some much needed support

THE DONEGAL SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE had four teams in Inter-League action at the weekend and they all contributed to a 100 per cent start to this year’s Inter-League series.

The Donegal Schoolboys League thank Bonagee United and Convoy Arsenal for the use of their facilities.

U-13 Eurotab Inter-League Cup

Inishowen 0

Donegal Schoolboys 3

Played in near blizzard conditions in Culdaff Donegal Schoolboys started their Inter-league campaign with comfortable 3-0 victory.

The first goal came after 10 minutes when Shane Blaney made no mistake with his first time shot. Following a short delay for a heavy hail shower the game restarted and Donegal again pinned their opponents into their own half.

On 20 minutes captain Jack Keaney released Shane Doherty down the right and he put in a terrific cross into Sean McBride to power an unstoppable header into the roof of the net.

McBride, at this stage, was running the Inishowen back-line ragged and five minutes into the second-half he received the ball 40 yards out and powered his way past the Inishowen defence and slotted home confidently from 10 yards out for his second of the game. With all five substitutes on the pitch Donegal pushed for the fourth but the Inishowen keeper was in inspired form and it wasn’t to be for the excellent McBride, who was extremely unlucky not to complete his hat-trick.

Donegal: Deeney, Little, Mogan, Gavigan, Gormley, Doherty, Mc Kelvey, Keaney, McNamee, Blaney, McBride. Subs: O’ Brien, Curran, Hannigan, Ryan, Byrne. 

 U-15 John Farrell Inter-League Cup

Donegal Schoolboys 5

Inishowen 0

The wintry conditions that prevailed around the county didn’t miss Convoy and neither did the joy of winning a competitive match for the Donegal Schoolboys League.

Paddy Diver opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he was first to react when the Inishowen ‘keeper could only parry away Kieran McPherson’s free-kick. Five minutes later Adam McHugh increased the lead when he cut into the box and curled a left-looted shot into the top corner.

McPherson got the third goal when he ran from the half-way line. Further goals from Caolin Mc Daid and Daire O’ Baoill sealed the victory in what was a good all-round team performance.

U-16 Paul O’ Neil Inter-League Cup

Inishowen 0

Donegal Schoolboys 3

Anthony Gorman’s Donegal Schoolboys U16 side got off to a solid start in this season’s Inter-league campaign with a well deserved 3-0 win over Inishowen at Buncrana on Saturday. The visitors settled well and took the lead when Sean Hume tapped in a corner from Chris Flanagan with under 10 minutes on the clock. Padraic Ferry fed Darragh Black, who played in Kennedy Boachie to slot home the second as the half hour approached.

The game was ended as a contest when Noah Mailey played a delightful ball over the top for Kennedy Boachie who beat international keeper Harry Doherty with a clever finish.

Donegal Schoolboys U-14 team

Players born in 1998

With the prestigious Kennedy Cup fast approaching Donegal Schoolboys under the management of Eunan Brolly are seeking to finalise their squad. Eunan organised a thre- team training / match session in Rathmullan on Thursday last. Wexford and District Schoolboys and Roscommon and District Schoolboys both attended the event which gave Eunan the opportunity to look at some fringe squad players. He is asking all team managers to contact him directly if they feel that they have a player who deserves a chance at this level. An open trial will be held in the near future and new players as well as those who may have been involved in the past are invited. Contact Eunan on 087-2389586. Thanks to Rathmullan Celtic for their facilities and referees Gerry Gallagher and Marty Quinn.

The Inter-provincials or the Railway Cup, as it is know by the older generation, returned at the weekend. I was at the game in Sligo where Ulster proved too strong for a weak Connacht side who were playing an old fashioned brand of football that was from another era.

The good news from a Donegal point of view was that our three men on the team - Neil McGee, Karl Lacey and Rory Kavanagh - all had fine games.

Neil had a brilliant game at full-back and was back to his best while Karl was his usual self in total control of his patch and did not put a foot wrong all day. Neil was marking Adrian Marren, from Sligo, who gave him a tough enough 70 minutes when they met last year in the league. I cannot help but feel his performance benefited from the fact that Karl was playing alongside him.

Not wishing to tell Jim McGuinness his business or interfere in picking the county team, but this is something that maybe is worth noting for down the road.

Rory, too, had a fine game at midfield. He covered a lot of ground and seems to be getting his legs back again.

I must say I was disappointed with the crowd at the game. I would say there was no more than 600 maximum in Markievicz Park on Sunday.

I have to say, I was very impressed with Ulster and in particular with the attack, who moved the ball well and combined and passed the ball well, mostly with the foot.

The pass from Owen Mulligan for Mark Poland’s goal was worth the entry fee on its own. It was a real defence splitting pass.

Three Tyrone forwards, Mulligan, Peter Harte and Martin Penrose, started the game with Harte and Penrose scoring two of the goals. And when you take into account that Mark Donnelly came on in the second half, there were four Tyrone men in the forward line at the finish.

Given the way they played and combined and given that Stephen O’Neill was not playing, let the rest of the country be warned, Tyrone are not gone away and are going to be a mighty force again this season.

Munster won the other semi-final to set up a final meeting with Ulster. Great credit must go to the Munster manager and Cork mentor, Gerry O’Sullivan, who picked in the main players from Division Three and Four teams and they were too good for a star studded Leinster outfit. The Munster full-forward line made of a Clare man (David Turbidy), a Waterford man (Gary Hurney) and a Limerick man (Ian Ryan) scored 1-10 of their team’s total of 1-16.

Fair play to Crossmaglen and indeed fair play to TG4 for showing the club semi-finals on Saturday. I really enjoyed both games and once again you have to hand it to Crossmaglen, despite being hit with an early Dr. Croke’s goal and five points, they battled back to win despite also being reduced to 14 men in the second half.

I must say I was disappointed for St. Brigid’s in the other semi-final; being a West of Ireland team, I would always have a soft spot for them. But you also got to hand it to Garycastle and Dessie Dolan, they did the business when it mattered, though to be honest I cannot see them being up to Crossmaglen in the final.

There was disappointment for Donegal Vocational Schools and the Donegal ladies at the weekend. While, the Vocational Schools were well beaten by Cork, I was speaking to Brendan O’Reilly on Sunday in Sligo and he was not at all happy with the referee.

The ladies also suffered a heavy defeat to Laois, but I expect them to bounce back, though it is worrying to hear Geraldine McLaughlin picked up an injury in that game.

Finally, I want to wish Martin O’Malley in Ballintra, all the best on his retirement from the Gardai. Martin was a good community man and I have no doubt will remain, but he is also an outstanding GAA man and a great servant to Naomh Brid and I hope he has a long and happy retirement.

Brian McEniff was in conversation with Tom Comack.

Raphoe travelled to Bangor on Saturday and fell to their first defeat of 2012 with a dismal performance that made an average Bangor side look good. Raphoe were slow to react to 50-50 balls, couldn’t tackle and made too many individual errors throughout the game.

Bangor 3

Raphoe 2

Bangor after losing heavily in Raphoe a couple of weeks ago had a point to prove and were a lot more solid everywhere on the pitch and they created the first chance of the half from a short corner which was easily cleared by Raphoe.

Midway through the half Bangor took the lead from another short corner a switch at the top of the circle saw Dave McClune flick the ball home. Raphoe were at sixes and sevens at the back and Bangor found gaps and Ian McGonigle had to clear the ball off the line just as Simon Hunter was about to score. Raphoe did fight back towards the end of the half and from their only short corner of the game Richard Patterson flicked the ball past the keeper. .

The second half started a little better for Raphoe as they pushed men forward trying to pin Bangor back into their own half but they couldn’t force a way past the Bangor defence. Ten minutes into the half Bangor regained the lead from another short corner when the ball was switched to the right Simon Hunter fired home from a tight angle.

Again Raphoe tried to fight their way back and should have equalised for a second time but Richard Patterson shot wide with the goals at his mercy. Shortly after Ian McGonigle had to clear the ball off the line for a second time as Bangor pushed for a third. With fifteen minutes left and Raphoe pushing for an equaliser William Kilpatrick gave up possession cheaply and Bangor scored a scrappy third when Simon Hunter was on hand to knock home at the back post.

With seven minutes left Raphoe scored a fortunate second goal Richard Patterson’s cross from the left hit the inside of the post and fell to George Patterson who couldn’t miss from two yards out. With time running out Raphoe couldn’t get a third and the game ended 3 - 2 to Bangor. Man of the match for Raphoe was George Patterson.

Next week Raphoe have a home game against Armagh with a 2.30pm push back at the Royal School Grounds.

Team: Johnny Rankin, William Kilpatrick, Rodney Bates, Keith Meehan, William Wauchope, Ian McGonigle (Capt.), Alan Patterson, John Watt, George Patterson, Richard Patterson, Gavin Lecky, Trevor Patterson, Alan Meehan.

Raphoe 3’s 0-2, Newry 3’s

The scoreline didn’t flatter Ulster as they completely overpowered Connacht in the semi-final in Markievicz Park on Sunday.

CONNACHT 0-13

ULSTER 3-16

The three Donegal players - Neil McGee, Karl Lacey and Rory Kavanagh - played their part with McGee particularly impressive, getting forward to put Mark Poland through on goal on 50 seconds with the Down man hammering his shot off the crossbar.

McGee was on his travels forward again on six minutes, combining with Karl Lacey to win a free pointed by Martin Penrose, while he had a shot off target in the second half.

Rory Kavanagh had the opening point for Ulster inside two minutes and played his part in a dominant midfield partnership with Dan Gordon.

The opening ten minutes were even enough but a goal from Peter Harte after he combined with Poland, on 11 minutes set Ulster on their way.

Mark Poland added the second goal on 16 minutes, getting on the end of an exquisite Owen Mulligan 40 yard pass to leave Ulster well on their way to victory, leading by 2-10 to 0-5 at the break.

Conor Mortimer was the only Connacht forward who looked likely and he had their only point from play in the opening half, while accounting for four of the other scores from placed ball. Indeed, Connacht could only manage one point from play in the second half also.

Frees from Mortimer and a disappointing Donie Shine inside three minutes of the restart, was just a blip for Ulster as they again took control before Martin Penrose started and finished the third goal on 53 minutes, combining well with Peter Harte. After that it was just a matter of playing out time and the Donegal supporters in the attendance of around 500, were glad to see Rory Kavanagh and Karl Lacey given a rest before the end.

Benny Coulter was the only Ulster starting forward not to get on the scoreboard and that was due to the tight marking of Connacht’s best player, Sean McDermott. Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Davey and Mortimer were the only other Connacht players to make any real contribution.

For Ulster - who had nine different scorers - Neil McGee, Ciaran McKeever, Dan Gordon, Rory Kavanagh and the entire front line were excellent.

Connacht: Geoffrey Claffey; Sean McDermott, Sean Purcell, Charlie Harrison; Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Davey, Wayne McKeon (0-1); Michael Finneran, Brendan Egan; Kevin McLaughlin, Donie Shine (0-2,2f), Alan Dillon; Conor Mortimer (0-9,8f), Adrian Marren, Nicky Joyce (0-1,f). Subs, Tom Flynn for Egan; Kevin Hughes for Joyce, both ht; Michael Conroy for Marren 44; Paul Conroy for Finneran 55; Mark Breheny for Shine 62.

Ulster: Brendan McVeigh; Brendan Donaghy, Neil McGee, Karl Lacey; Ciaran McKeever (0-1), Darren Hughes, James Loughrey (0-1); Dan Gordon (0-2), Rory Kavanagh (0-1); Peter Harte (1-2), Mark Poland (1-0), Conleth Gilligan (0-3); Martin Penrose (1-4,3f), Benny Coulter, Owen Mulligan (0-2). Subs., Vincent Corey for Loughrey 55; Mark Donnelly for Coulter 60; Owen Lennon for Kavanagh 63; Colin McCarron for Lacey 66

Referee: Joe Curley (Meath)

Man of the match

Apart from Sean McDermott of Connacht, all contenders were wearing Ulster jerseys. Ciaran McKeever, Peter Harte, Mark Poland, Conleth Gilligan and Martin Penrose were the main contenders with the award going to Harte, who was very incisive when on the ball.

Turning point

The opening goal from Peter Harte turned the game. Up to that it was close, but thereafter there was only going to be one winner.

Ref watch

Meath referee Joe Curley had an easy game with both sides concentrating on football and he will rarely have an easier game to officiate.

McGee delighted to be involved

For Donegal’s Neil McGee, this was new territory, playing his first ever game for Ulster and he was delighted with the result.

“It was a little easier than we would have expected, but it is great to be involved. This is my first ever time playing for Ulster,” said the big Gaoth Dobhair man.

“I got forward a good bit today but I would need to improve on my shooting,” quipped the All-Star, when I reminded him that maybe he thought he was playing against Sligo, the side he scored the dramatic late goal against last year in the opening league game.

“It’s great to be involved with Ulster. I got to know some of the boys when out in Australia and it was great to meet them again. Hopefully we can go on now and win the final. It would be nice to add that medal to the collection. I think Rory (Kavanagh) has played for Ulster before but he hasn’t a medal either,” said Neil.

“We had a get-together last week and we will probably have the same this week. It was just a light workout and it helped for players to get to know each other. We don’t know yet when the final will be but it could possibly be next Sunday.”

The scoreline didn’t flatter Ulster as they completely overpowered Connacht in the semi-final in Markievicz Park on Sunday.

The scoreline didn’t flatter Ulster as they completely overpowered Connacht in the semi-final in Markievicz Park on Sunday.

CONNACHT 0-13

ULSTER 3-16

The three Donegal players - Neil McGee, Karl Lacey and Rory Kavanagh - played their part with McGee particularly impressive, getting forward to put Mark Poland through on goal on 50 seconds with the Down man hammering his shot off the crossbar.

McGee was on his travels forward again on six minutes, combining with Karl Lacey to win a free pointed by Martin Penrose, while he had a shot off target in the second half.

Rory Kavanagh had the opening point for Ulster inside two minutes and played his part in a dominant midfield partnership with Dan Gordon.

The opening ten minutes were even enough but a goal from Peter Harte after he combined with Poland, on 11 minutes set Ulster on their way.

Mark Poland added the second goal on 16 minutes, getting on the end of an exquisite Owen Mulligan 40 yard pass to leave Ulster well on their way to victory, leading by 2-10 to 0-5 at the break.

Conor Mortimer was the only Connacht forward who looked likely and he had their only point from play in the opening half, while accounting for four of the other scores from placed ball. Indeed, Connacht could only manage one point from play in the second half also.

Frees from Mortimer and a disappointing Donie Shine inside three minutes of the restart, was just a blip for Ulster as they again took control before Martin Penrose started and finished the third goal on 53 minutes, combining well with Peter Harte. After that it was just a matter of playing out time and the Donegal supporters in the attendance of around 500, were glad to see Rory Kavanagh and Karl Lacey given a rest before the end.

Benny Coulter was the only Ulster starting forward not to get on the scoreboard and that was due to the tight marking of Connacht’s best player, Sean McDermott. Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Davey and Mortimer were the only other Connacht players to make any real contribution.

For Ulster - who had nine different scorers - Neil McGee, Ciaran McKeever, Dan Gordon, Rory Kavanagh and the entire front line were excellent.

Connacht: Geoffrey Claffey; Sean McDermott, Sean Purcell, Charlie Harrison; Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Davey, Wayne McKeon (0-1); Michael Finneran, Brendan Egan; Kevin McLaughlin, Donie Shine (0-2,2f), Alan Dillon; Conor Mortimer (0-9,8f), Adrian Marren, Nicky Joyce (0-1,f). Subs, Tom Flynn for Egan; Kevin Hughes for Joyce, both ht; Michael Conroy for Marren 44; Paul Conroy for Finneran 55; Mark Breheny for Shine 62.

Ulster: Brendan McVeigh; Brendan Donaghy, Neil McGee, Karl Lacey; Ciaran McKeever (0-1), Darren Hughes, James Loughrey (0-1); Dan Gordon (0-2), Rory Kavanagh (0-1); Peter Harte (1-2), Mark Poland (1-0), Conleth Gilligan (0-3); Martin Penrose (1-4,3f), Benny Coulter, Owen Mulligan (0-2). Subs., Vincent Corey for Loughrey 55; Mark Donnelly for Coulter 60; Owen Lennon for Kavanagh 63; Colin McCarron for Lacey 66

Referee: Joe Curley (Meath)

Man of the match

Apart from Sean McDermott of Connacht, all contenders were wearing Ulster jerseys. Ciaran McKeever, Peter Harte, Mark Poland, Conleth Gilligan and Martin Penrose were the main contenders with the award going to Harte, who was very incisive when on the ball.

Turning point

The opening goal from Peter Harte turned the game. Up to that it was close, but thereafter there was only going to be one winner.

Ref watch

Meath referee Joe Curley had an easy game with both sides concentrating on football and he will rarely have an easier game to officiate.

McGee delighted to be involved

For Donegal’s Neil McGee, this was new territory, playing his first ever game for Ulster and he was delighted with the result.

“It was a little easier than we would have expected, but it is great to be involved. This is my first ever time playing for Ulster,” said the big Gaoth Dobhair man.

“I got forward a good bit today but I would need to improve on my shooting,” quipped the All-Star, when I reminded him that maybe he thought he was playing against Sligo, the side he scored the dramatic late goal against last year in the opening league game.

“It’s great to be involved with Ulster. I got to know some of the boys when out in Australia and it was great to meet them again. Hopefully we can go on now and win the final. It would be nice to add that medal to the collection. I think Rory (Kavanagh) has played for Ulster before but he hasn’t a medal either,” said Neil.

“We had a get-together last week and we will probably have the same this week. It was just a light workout and it helped for players to get to know each other. We don’t know yet when the final will be but it could possibly be next Sunday.”

Rory Kavanagh gives chase to Connacht’s Kevin McLaughlin in the Interprovincial semi-final in Markievicz Park on Sunday. Photo ©INPHO/James Crombie

Ulster much too good

CONNACHT 0-13

ULSTER 3-16

The three Donegal players - Neil McGee, Karl Lacey and Rory Kavanagh - played their part with McGee particularly impressive, getting forward to put Mark Poland through on goal on 50 seconds with the Down man hammering his shot off the crossbar.

McGee was on his travels forward again on six minutes, combining with Karl Lacey to win a free pointed by Martin Penrose, while he had a shot off target in the second half.

Rory Kavanagh had the opening point for Ulster inside two minutes and played his part in a dominant midfield partnership with Dan Gordon.

The opening ten minutes were even enough but a goal from Peter Harte after he combined with Poland, on 11 minutes set Ulster on their way.

Mark Poland added the second goal on 16 minutes, getting on the end of an exquisite Owen Mulligan 40 yard pass to leave Ulster well on their way to victory, leading by 2-10 to 0-5 at the break.

Conor Mortimer was the only Connacht forward who looked likely and he had their only point from play in the opening half, while accounting for four of the other scores from placed ball. Indeed, Connacht could only manage one point from play in the second half also.

Frees from Mortimer and a disappointing Donie Shine inside three minutes of the restart, was just a blip for Ulster as they again took control before Martin Penrose started and finished the third goal on 53 minutes, combining well with Peter Harte. After that it was just a matter of playing out time and the Donegal supporters in the attendance of around 500, were glad to see Rory Kavanagh and Karl Lacey given a rest before the end.

Benny Coulter was the only Ulster starting forward not to get on the scoreboard and that was due to the tight marking of Connacht’s best player, Sean McDermott. Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Davey and Mortimer were the only other Connacht players to make any real contribution.

For Ulster - who had nine different scorers - Neil McGee, Ciaran McKeever, Dan Gordon, Rory Kavanagh and the entire front line were excellent.

Connacht: Geoffrey Claffey; Sean McDermott, Sean Purcell, Charlie Harrison; Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Davey, Wayne McKeon (0-1); Michael Finneran, Brendan Egan; Kevin McLaughlin, Donie Shine (0-2,2f), Alan Dillon; Conor Mortimer (0-9,8f), Adrian Marren, Nicky Joyce (0-1,f). Subs, Tom Flynn for Egan; Kevin Hughes for Joyce, both ht; Michael Conroy for Marren 44; Paul Conroy for Finneran 55; Mark Breheny for Shine 62.

Ulster: Brendan McVeigh; Brendan Donaghy, Neil McGee, Karl Lacey; Ciaran McKeever (0-1), Darren Hughes, James Loughrey (0-1); Dan Gordon (0-2), Rory Kavanagh (0-1); Peter Harte (1-2), Mark Poland (1-0), Conleth Gilligan (0-3); Martin Penrose (1-4,3f), Benny Coulter, Owen Mulligan (0-2). Subs., Vincent Corey for Loughrey 55; Mark Donnelly for Coulter 60; Owen Lennon for Kavanagh 63; Colin McCarron for Lacey 66

Referee: Joe Curley (Meath)

Man of the match

Apart from Sean McDermott of Connacht, all contenders were wearing Ulster jerseys. Ciaran McKeever, Peter Harte, Mark Poland, Conleth Gilligan and Martin Penrose were the main contenders with the award going to Harte, who was very incisive when on the ball.

Turning point

The opening goal from Peter Harte turned the game. Up to that it was close, but thereafter there was only going to be one winner.

Ref watch

Meath referee Joe Curley had an easy game with both sides concentrating on football and he will rarely have an easier game to officiate.

McGee delighted to be involved

For Donegal’s Neil McGee, this was new territory, playing his first ever game for Ulster and he was delighted with the result.

“It was a little easier than we would have expected, but it is great to be involved. This is my first ever time playing for Ulster,” said the big Gaoth Dobhair man.

“I got forward a good bit today but I would need to improve on my shooting,” quipped the All-Star, when I reminded him that maybe he thought he was playing against Sligo, the side he scored the dramatic late goal against last year in the opening league game.

“It’s great to be involved with Ulster. I got to know some of the boys when out in Australia and it was great to meet them again. Hopefully we can go on now and win the final. It would be nice to add that medal to the collection. I think Rory (Kavanagh) has played for Ulster before but he hasn’t a medal either,” said Neil.

“We had a get-together last week and we will probably have the same this week. It was just a light workout and it helped for players to get to know each other. We don’t know yet when the final will be but it could possibly be next Sunday.”

Glenea United 2

Gweedore Celtic 1

Throw in a controversial incident or two the banter was also good in both the Stand and on the terraces between the opposing supporters in the large crowd at this local derby clash in Glasheroo.

At the end of a pulsating 90 plus minutes, the three points went to the home side and deservedly so thanks to two goals from centre forward Ryan McFadden.

On the day not even Gweedore’s most ardent supporter could disagree with the outcome.

Glenea played with greater purpose and had far more intensity about their game to leave the champions and table toppers trailing in their wake.

The elusive McFadden scored his two goals in the middle of the second quarter and in the space of three minutes to send the home team in smiling at half-time.

Paul Rua McBride scored the visitors’ only goal. That was in the middle of the second half and set up a grandstand finish of sorts. While Tomas Diver and Colin Ferry went close to tying it up in the closing exchanges, Glenea, who had a number of chances too to add to their goal count, always seemed to have the measure of their neighbours and arch rivals. And they held out for a very important win that keeps their league ambitions very much alive.

Tom Coll’s men now trail Gweedore by just three points with a game in hand to set up an interesting run in to the Premier League race.

And yet, it could have been all so different if Tomas Diver had found the net from a 25th minute penalty.

His well struck effort was well saved by Glenea number one Sean McClafferty. The save, which came after Ferry was adjudged to have been fouled in the box, almost lifted the roof on the packed stand and really set the tone for the remainder of the tie.

It certainly lifted the home side who after a period of early dominance and bombardment of the Gweedore posts had begun to sag a little and were beginning to allow the visitors a little more time and space on the ball.

But the game changed again after McClafferty’s heroics when ten minutes later Ryan McFadden showed nimble footwork to turn on a coin to drill a Sean Coll centre past Michael McKelvey from inside the box.

And three minutes later the Glenea fans were dancing on the terraces when McFadden nipped in between four defenders to despatch past McKelvey for goal number two. Coll himself went close shortly afterwards at making it three and Kevin Mulhern was thanking his lucky stars that his deflection on the stroke of half-time went over rather than under McClafferty’s crossbar.

Leading 2-0 at the break, Glenea as expected found themselves under a fair bit of pressure in the opening minutes of the second half. Fionnan Diver went close from a header within two minutes of the restart and Ferry drove over from 35 metres while Damien O’Sullivan pulled wide from just outside the box.

But Glenea have not the best defensive record in the league without earning it. The back four of Kevin’ Beag’ McFadden, Pauidie McGee, Barry McGinley and Paul Sweeney stood firm and despite the best efforts of Ferry and the Divers could find no way through.

Ferry should, however, have hit the net when through on goal only to drive wide with McClafferty in no man’s land.

That was on 60 minutes and was Gweedore’s most clear cut opportunity of the day and the visitors had to wait a further 12 minutes for the breakthrough. And just as Glenea’s first was something against the run of play so too was Paul Rua McBride’s strike that brought the champions right back into the race.

Right back McBride, up in attack, first timed a Tomas Diver lay-off in a crowded goalmouth off the crossbar. The ball cannoned down off the crossbar and was deemed, much to the disapproval of the Glenea players and followers, by referee Paddy Duffy to have crossed the line. Game on again! Well not quite; while Gweedore did press in the closing exchanges most of their strikes on goal were from distance and never really threatened Sean McClafferty’s posts.

The chances that would go down as real opportunities in the remaining quarter hour were shared evenly with Brian Cuffe going close for Glenea and Ferry doing likewise at the other end for Gweedore.

Glenea United: Sean McClafferty; Kevin ‘Beag’ McFadden, Barry McGinley, Pauidie McGee, Paul Sweeney, Sean Maguire, Sean Coll (John Harley, 77), Kevin Mulhern, Ryan McFadden, Brian Cuffe (David Coll, 88), Darren McGeever (Declan McGarvey, 85).

Gweedore Celtic: Michael McKelvey, Paul Rua McBride, Jamie Boyle (Ciaran McFadden, 79), Shane Barr, David McGee, Eamon Cannon, Gary Whoriskey (Eugene McBride, 65), Damien O’Sullivan, Colin Ferry, Tomas Diver, Fionnan Diver.

Referee: Paddy Duffy

Man of the match

Ryan McFadden scored Glenea’s two goals. He showed great skill and neat footwork to drill home the first under pressure and he deserves full marks for chasing up what seemed a lost cause for the second as he darted in between four defenders to slot past a despairing Michael McKelvey. McFadden may be small in stature but he posed a constant threat up front and when his side were under pressure he was also willing to roll up his sleeves and scrap for possession. He received the vote ahead of his teammates Sean McClafferty, Kevin Mulhern, Sean Maguire, Barry McGinley and Paul Sweeney, who all turned in big performances for the winners.

Paul Rua McBride, Shane Barr, Eamon Cannon and Colin Ferry were the pick of the Gweedore men on the day.

Key Moment

In a game with its fair share of twists and turns Sean McClafferty’s save from Tom Diver’s penalty on 25 minutes was probably the key moment in the game. It was not a case of a poorly struck penalty but a save out of the top drawer by McClafferty, when diving full stretch to his left. It really lifted his teammates and supporters in the stand and on the terraces.

Ref Watch

Paddy Duffy came in for a fair deal of stick from the Glenea followers right through the game. There may be a slight question mark over the awarding of the Gweedore penalty as it was felt that Colm Ferry may have been guilty of a little barging before he was tripped in the area.

And there were also questions surrounding Paul Rua McBride’s goal and whether the ball was over the line or not. In fairness to the referee he was close to the action and did not hesitate in making the call.

In what was a highly competitive encounter he let the game flow while at the same time keeping a firm grip on proceedings and on balance had a good game.

FINN HARPS aim to get on the scoresheet for the first time in pre-season when they take on Dergview at Finn Park on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

The team managed by Peter Hutton fell to a 1-0 loss against Airtricity League Premier Division Dundalk at Oriel Park on Sunday, when a scrappy encounter was decided by a Peter Thomas header in the 65th minute.

That result means that Harps have now drawn four successive blanks in pre-season following 1-0 losses at Irish League outfits Limavady United and Crusaders, as well as a 3-0 reversal at the hands of Derry City.

“It was a good run-out,” Hutton said of Oriel. “We improved in certain aspects and are happy with the balance, shape and fitness of the team, particularly against decent opposition. I realise we’ve not been scoring but we created a number of chances and I would be a lot more concerned if we were not making chances. We’re still very much a work in progress.

“We’re tipping on OK. Granted, I know the results have not been the best but that’s what pre-season is all about. It’s better to be like this now than four weeks into the season.”

Harps lost three players to minor injuries their manager describes as complaints commonly felt after performing on a 3G surface like Dundalk’s.

“Stephen O’Donnell has been suffering with a badly bruised foot since the game in Derry and thought he would be fine in Dundalk,” Hutton added. “However, the 3G pitch can be unforgiving and he got another bit of a bang on it so we didn’t want to take any further chances. Ciaran Coll had a similar complaint with his knee and Thomas McMonagle too with a sore ankle.”

After Dergview, Harps will host Cockhill Celtic at Orchard Park in Convoy on Friday night and then will travel to take on Buncrana Hearts on Sunday afternoon at a venue to be confirmed.

Finn Harps (v Dundalk): Ciarán Gallagher, James Doherty, Ciarán Greene, Thomas McMonagle, Keith Cowan, Hugh Carlin, Adam Clarke, Thomas Bonner, Stephen O’Donnell, Kevin McHugh, Ciarán Coll.

Subs: Rory Kelly, Eamon Gallagher, Aaron O’Hagan, Darragh Healy, Barry O’Mahony, Blain Curtis.

Eamon MCGEE is in a race against the clock to be fit for Donegal’s game with Cork, when the Allianz National Football League resumes the weekend after next.

McGee has been struggling with a groin injury since the start of the league and despite coming off the bench in the closing minutes of Donegal’s encounter with Laois, he has admitted that he is still some way off full fitness.

“My recovery is coming along, but it is a good bit slower that I would like. I’m training away but I’m not able to go flat out. It is a strange kind of injury, the doctors have told me I can do light training and run in straight lines but do no twisting and turning,” said McGee.

“The way it is, it could take a week and it could take three weeks. It is certainly too early to make a call as to whether or not I’ll be fit enough for the Cork game. I’m anxious to get back to full training and building up my fitness and being in with a chance on making the team.

“But it will be the end of this weekend or early next week before I know if I’ll be ready for the Cork game. I came on last week against Laois because I was anxious to get back into the thick of the action but it was probably too early. Thankfully I did not do any damage or did not prolong my return. It is a matter of taking time and being patient.”

The Gaoth Dobhair man is one of three first choice players along with Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden, currently on the injured list.

Both Murphy and McFadden are also out of the reckoning for the Cork game and in the case of Glenswilly man Murphy, it could be the latter stages of the league before he is fit to return.

Speaking at the championship draw in Gweedore on Saturday, his father Mick Murphy stated that his recuperation following surgery on his groin has been slow but was going fine.

“He needs a bit of time and I hope everybody gives him that time,” said Murphy Snr, who went on to compliment the Donegal medical team of Mr. Kevin Moran and Dr. Charlie McManus and the Donegal management team for the care they are giving the Donegal cpatain.

Letterkenny AC’s Brendan Boyce was a silver medal winner at the Woodie’s DIY National Indoor 30 Walk championship in Claremorris on Sunday.

Boyce came home second nine seconds behind Colin Griffin from Ballinamore in a nail biting finish with Michael Boyle from Tara in Meath in third place

After letting Griffin take a huge early lead of nearly one minute, the Letterkenny man fought back well and over the closing 10k to reel in Griffin and was closing rapidly on the Leitrim man approaching the finish line. It was generally felt afterwards had the race been 100 metres longer Boyce may well have taken the title.

Defending champion Robert Heffernan did not start due to a hamstring injury and Jamie Costin was a late withdrawal due to a rib injury.

Boyce has along with Robbie Heffernan achieved the qualifying time for the 50K Walk at the London Olympic Games and is one of four athletes chasing the three places on the Irish team for the Games.

The other two, who still have to make the qualifying times, are Griffin and Costin and all four are expected to go head to head at 50K race in Turkey, in April.

Irish 30 km Walk Championships

(1) Colin Griffin, Ballinamore, 2.15.17

(2) Brendan Boyce, Letterkenny, 2.15.26

(3) Michael Doyle, Tara, 2.20.23

Glenea United blew the Donegal League Premier Division wide open with a 2-1 win over Gweedore Celtic – the champions’ first defeat in 13 months, a run of 25 games. Milford got back to winning ways following their cup exit while Kilmacrennan hit Drumoghill for five.

Milford got back to winning ways following their FAI Junior Cup exit while Kilmacrennan Celtic hit Drumoghill for five. Rathmullan Celtic and Keadue Rovers are still in front in their respective divisions.

Brian McCormick Premier

Dunkineely Celtic 2

A Mackey 63, 71

Castlefin Celtic 1 M Lafferty 51

Dunkineely Celtic moved out of the relegation zone with an important 2-1 win against a Castlefin Celtic side that are not clear of the danger themselves.

The visitors took the lead when Mark Lafferty was given too much space and he fired an unstoppable shot from 25 yards. Dunkineely equalised when Pauric Conaghan played in Andrew Mackey and he beat the defence to score. Dunkineely took the lead on 70 minutes when Cian Kennedy crossed from the left and Mackey nipped in to beat the keeper. Milford United 3 

PJ Hagan 30, 70; C McCafferty 60 (pen)

Eany Celtic 2

D Boyle 54, 85 (pen)

Milford erased the memories of their FAI Junior Cup drubbing at the hands of Pike Rovers with a win over Eany Celtic.

Peter Doherty’s side took the lead when PJ Hagan finished from the edge of the box from a pass from David Curley. Eany got back into the game when a mix-up in the Milford defence resulted in Declan Boyle’s equaliser. Milford’s lead was restored when Christy McCafferty scored from the penalty spot and a great throughball from Karl Duggan resulted in Hagan finishing well. An Eany penalty from Boyle ensured a nervy finish.

Lifford Celtic 3

D Patton 15, R Porter 35, J Connolly 80

Lagan Harps 0

Lifford Celtic got a much needed win against a struggling Lagan Harps side at Greenbrae.

The hosts opened the scoring when a corner by Kevin McBrearty was flicked home by Damien Patton. Lifford scored again when McBrearty struck a good free-kick that was headed in by Ross Porter. James Connolly rolled the third into an empty net following a poor clearance from Lagan’s Damien McFadden.

Drumoghill 2

R Tinney 28, 47

Kilmacrennan Celtic 5

T Burke 65, 82; G Gorman 68, 70, 85 (pen)

A Gary Gorman inspired Kilmacrennan Celtic came from two down to score five goals in the last 25 minutes to leave the Moss with the points.

Drumoghill were leading 2-0, thanks to a Richard Tinney brace, and cruising towards three precious points to help ease relegation concerns.

However, Kilmacrennan striker Timmy Burke raced onto a long ball and crossed for Kevin McMenamin to steer the ball home at the back post and reduce the deficit. Then, Gorman rose highest to guide the ball home from McMenamin’s corner and repeated the trick to give his side the lead for the first time.

Burke added a fourth on 82 minutes to kill off the contest. Gorman got the chance to complete his hat-trick on 85 minutes when Vincent McLoughlin adjudged Colin Watson to have controlled the ball with his hand and awarded the penalty. Gorman made no mistake to make it 5-2.

Milford Inn Hotel Division One

Arranmore United 0

Rathmullan Celtic 2

D Patton 32, 45

Rathmullan Celtic kept their noses in front in the Milford Inn Division One with a 2-0 away win over Arranmore United thanks to Daragh Patton’s brace.

The league leaders took the lead with a good finish from Patton. On the stroke of half time Owen Sheridan’s well struck shot was brilliantly saved by Arranmore’s goalkeeper Frankie Early but unluckily for him it rebounded off the post and fell to the feet of Patton, who doubled his scoring tally with a tap in.

Raphoe Town 1

P Gallagher 43

St Catherine’s 3

S O’Rourke 22, J Noctor 55, C Blain 66

Second-placed St Catherine’s are still on track for promotion after a 3-1 win at Raphoe Town on Sunday.

The Killybegs team took the lead when Shane O’Rouke made no mistake after rounding Paul Carbury. The Raphoe goalkeeper then kept his side in the game with a penalty save from Charles Smith’s spot kick. Raphoe rallied after this and Paddy Gallagher got them back on level terms with a superb finish. Two second half goals won it for the team managed by Brian Dorrian, the first an excellent shot from 25 yards by Jason Noctor and the second a firm header from Conor Blain at the back post.

Convoy Arsenal 0

Curragh Athletic 1

M Lafferty 32

Curragh Athletic remain in third place after a single goal win at Convoy Arsenal.

The away team took the lead when Michael Lafferty tapped in from 10 yards. Convoy came more into the game in the second half and almost equalised when a dipping effort from Shane McLaughlin was plucked out of the top corner. 

Cappry Rovers 3

C McLaughlin 66; S McGlynn 84, 90

Gweedore United 1

E Ferry 49

Cappry Rovers left it late to secure the points against Gweedore United when two late goals from Shaun McGlynn secured the points.

Frank McGee missed an early Gweedore penalty, putting the ball wide of the post but managed to take the lead after half-time, when Eugene Noel Ferry scored.

Cappry got on level terms when a shot from Christopher McLaughlin went into the bottom corner of the net. The home side upped the ante in search of the winner and were rewarded when McGlynn was on hand to hammer the ball to the net. McGlynn got his second and Cappry’s third in added time.

Dunlewey Celtic 0

Donegal Town 3

D McGarrigle 30, S Kenny 55, B Byrne 70 Donegal Town came away with all three points as Dunlewey Celtic never got into the game.

The visitors got their first through Danny McGarrigle when he nodded home from close range. Donegal Town got their second when Stephen Kenny knocked in a cross and Benny Byrne got the third when he broke through.

CT Ball Division Two

Kerrykeel 1

M McAteer 9

Keadue Rovers 4

G Gallagher 30, 49; D Boyle 75, J Gallagher 90

League leaders Keadue Rovers stepped closer to the league title with a 4-1 win over Kerrykeel. 

Kerrykeel went in front on nine minutes when Jerome Burke pulled the ball back for Marty McAteer to fire home. Keadue drew level when Gary Gallagher fired home from close range. They took the lead with a quick counter attack with Doalty Boyle crossing for Gallagher to head home. Boyle put the game to bed on when he tapped in at the back post. Jake Gallagher scored a free-kick in the dying seconds.  

Drumbar United 1

C Nixon 27 (pen)

Bonagee United 0

Drumbar had their first home game since November on a sticky pitch and managed to beat Bonagee by a single goal.

The deadlock was broken when the lively David Giblin broke into the penalty area and was tripped. Ciaran Nixon converted the resulting penalty. The second half saw some half chances created by both sides as the pitch got heavier, Bonagee enjoyed some great possession but the home defence stood strong.

Copany Rovers 4

M McGrath 13, 68; D Graham 28; D Harron 58

Whitestrand United 2

M Sweeney 76, S Sweeeny 80

A late fightback by Whitestrand was not enough to gain anything from their fixture against Copany Rovers in Donegal Town.

Copany took the lead when Marty McGrath was first to capitalise on an under-hit backpass. David Graham fired home in emphatic fashion for 2-0. David Harron headed home a third after the break and were four goals to the good soon after - a super throughball from substitute Brian Travers found McGrath and he fired home from 25 yards with another clever finish. Whitestrand pulled one back when Michael Sweeney sent a drive from the edge of the area into the corner. Whitestrand reduced the deficit further when Stephen Sweeney found himself with space to score.

Ballybofey United 4

E McAuley 35 (pen), C Doherty 65, 72, B McMenamin 88

Letterbarrow Celtic 0

Ballybofey United maintained their promotion push when they defeated Letterbarrow Celtic at the Finn Valley Athletic Complex in Stranorlar on Sunday.

The home team took the lead when goalkeeper Eamonn McAuley converted a penalty. Substitute Conor Doherty got their second goal when he calmly picked his spot after been put through by Alan Patton.

Doherty got his second when Andrew Bonner cushioned the ball into his path and the striker made no mistake. Left-Back Bernard Mc Menamin completed the scoring when he deftly lifted the ball to score.

Cranford United 1

B Giles 22

Glenree United 2

P McGroddy 30, 85

A Patrick McGroddy brace helped Glenree win their local derby in a tight game away to their neighbours Cranford United.

The home team started brighter and Brendan Giles finished well from inside the box, after good work by Danny McBride, to give Cranford the lead.

Glenree levelled on the counter attack when McGroddy scored with a neat finish from the edge of the box. With five minutes remaining and the match looking like going to end in a draw, Glenree got the winner with McGroddy scoring from close range.

Downtown Cup Group A

Glencar Celtic 1

P Rafferty 14

Erne Wanderers 4

M Dorrian 1, 85; D Dolan 43; D McNulty 45+2

Erne Wanderers flew from the traps in their fine 4-1 away win at Glencar Celtic on Saturday.

The Ballyshannon side were one up in the first 30 seconds when Mark Dorrian converted a cross from David Dolan. Patrick Rafferty restored parity. Erne started to take charge after this and a mix-up between the defence and the keeper let David Dolan in to make it 2-1. Two minutes into first half stoppage time Darren McNulty scored again for the away team. Mark Dorrian got his second of the game to make it 4-1 and to end the game as a contest.

Deele Harps 2

D McNulty 30, S Gallagher 81

Glenea United Res 0

Deele Harps got back to winning ways with a goal in each half in a comfortable display at the Athletic Ground against Glenea United.

A great pass from Conor Catterson was taken first time by Daniel McNulty, who fired home to the top corner. Shane Gallagher to settle the game as he finished a one-on-one to secure the victory.

Downtown Cup Group B

Glenree United Res 2

J Rodgers 5, S Crompton 26

Castlefin Celtic Res 5

J McMenamin 20, B Dooher 44, G McNulty 75, 85, JP Logue 88

There were goals aplenty as Castlefin Celtic ran riot at Glenree United’s expense.

Glenree opened the scoring when John Rodgers curled in a free kick.  Jamie McMenamin equalised for the away team but Glenree regained the lead when Stephen Crompton headed in at the back post from a corner. Brian Dooher scored Castlefin’s second after some good build up play. Then, in the closing stages, Gary McNulty’s cross, aided by the wind, sailed into the top corner to give the away side the lead. McNulty scored his second when he finished well. A mix-up in the Glenree defence allowed John-Paul Logue to score a late fifth for Castlefin.  

Downtown Cup Group C

Tullyvinney Rovers 2

M Alexander 50; G Tinney 69

Kilmacrennan Celtic Res 5

J Gorman 12; K McMenamin 24; K McElhinney 35; I McElhinney 64; S O’Donnell 87

Kilmacrennan Celtic did the hard work in the opening half to post a 5-2 win at understrength Tullyvinney Rovers. 

James Gorman, Kevin McMenamin and Karl Mc Elhinney had the away team three up before the break. After half-time Tullyvinney came more into the game and eventually broke the visiting defence when Martin Alexander scored with a header from the edge of the six-yard box.

Kilmacrennan stretched their lead again when Ian McElhinney scored with a fine shot. Garvan Tinney scored Tullyvinney’s second goal five minutes later when he scored from an acute angle. The away side finished off the scoring when Shaun O’Donnell was on the mark.

Donegal Town Res 1

R Abdouladh 35

Mulroy Celtic 4

JP Malley 12, 43; P McElwaine 25, 66

Mulroy Celtic came away from the Hospital Field in Donegal Town with a comfortable win.

The visiting team went 2-0 up through JP Malley and then Packie McElwaine, both from crosses from the left wing - Malley’s a near post touch and McElwaine’s a header. Donegal Town pulled one back with a goal from Riadha Abdouladh.  Mulroy scored again before the break with a cracking over-headed kick from Malley, which looped over Mark Brown in the Donegal goals.  Malley scored again in the second half to complete the scoring

Downtown Cup Group D

Downtown United 1

S Toye 42

Gweedore Celtic Res 3

C Boyle 50, P McGarvey 55, W McBride 85 

Gweedore Celtic made the most of a reversed fixture to post a 3-1 win over Downtown United.

Downtown lost goalkeeper Liam McLaughlin on the half-an-hour mark when the custodian sustained a hand injury but opened the scoring when Stephen Toye reacted quickest in the box and chipped the ‘keeper to open the scoring.

Gweedore were back on level terms when a Cathal Boyle shot from 30 yards flew into the top corner giving stand-in ‘keeper Sean Sweeney no chance. They added their when Padraig McGarvey slotted home from 10 yards after a great run. Gweedore added there third in the when Willie McBride reacted quickest in a goalmouth scramble to slot home.

Gweedore United Res 3

M Byrne 32, 56; D McCafferty 60

Cranford United Res 0

Gweedore United lit up Carrickboyle on Friday night to defeat Cranford United under the floodlights.

The home side broke the deadlock when Matthew Byrne scored. The second came when Barney Logue’s pass was intercepted by Byrne, who made no mistake driving past Logue from close range to make it 2-0 and the third came from Danny McCafferty.

Gary Walsh, the Donegal goalkeeper, will always appreciate the enormity of the 1992 All- Ireland success and the honour of being a member of the first ever Donegal team to claim Gaelic football’s greatest prize.

Continuing our series looking back on the All-Ireland success of 1992. This week we feature goalkeeper Gary Walsh of Aodh Ruadh and Burren.

BY TOM COMACK

Gary, known to his teammates as ‘Big George’, had soldiered in the green jersey for years and like so many of his teammates had served his time at the altar of disappointment and heartbreak.

“The whole experience of winning the All-Ireland and being a member of the first team to do so and to climb the steps after the final whistle to lift the Sam Maguire will be my abiding memory of ‘92 and I guess it will always be,” said Gary.

“The All-Ireland is the ultimate dream of all footballers and to be honest it took a while for the enormity of what we had achieved to sink in. Obviously as I look back on it now it was special to be a member of the first team to win the All-Ireland and the first team to bring the Sam Maguire Cup back to Donegal.

“Growing up as a wee boy, like all young boys, my dream was always to play for Donegal and once that happened the dream was to play in Croke Park. And then once that happened winning the All-Ireland became the dream.

“So it is not too difficult to imagine what it is like when that dream is fulfilled. Unbelievable is the only way to describe it. It was simply an unbelievable feeling and there is no other way of describing it.”

Looking back on the final and the whole ‘92 campaign it brings back nothing but pleasant memories for Gary even if he was clocking up big miles back in those years to wear the green and gold.

“I was living Down at the time. I moved there in 1989 and made the journey up and down every week for training and in those years I used to put up a fair few miles every year. I think the happiest man in Donegal when I retired was the county treasurer.

“I thought nothing of it at the time. In the early part of the year, I used to make the journey once a week but as the season wore on it went to twice a week and then three times a week. It would mean finishing work at 4 pm to be in Ballybofey for 6pm and home again afterwards leaving Ballybofey at 9 or 9.30pm, depending on how much McEniff had to say.”

But it was all worthwhile when the final whistle blew in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day.

“The whole day was a roller coaster from the moment we left the hotel on the way to Croke Park, and seeing all the supporters lining the streets on the way to the ground.

“It seemed as if all of Donegal were in Dublin that day. There were green and gold jerseys and flags everywhere and the sheer excitement and sense of anticipation on the faces of the supporters was something to behold and is also a memory and that will always stay with me too forever.

“There was a real carnival atmosphere in and around Croke Park. And then when we came out for the game, Croke Park just seemed to erupt as if there was nobody else in the place other than Donegal people.

“We were a fairly experienced bunch of players but we had not experienced an atmosphere like Croke Park on All-Ireland final day before.

“Up to that day I’d say the biggest crowd we had ever played before was in and around 30,000 in Clones in the four Ulster finals and the two All-Ireland semi-finals. But here we were now facing the Dubs in front of a full house of 66,000 plus and all the pomp and ceremony that goes with the day. It was very intimidating and I think that is why we were nervous early on and probably accounted for why we got a little jittery late on too.”

Like all of Donegal, Gary savoured the achievement at the final whistle and for the next few days. But living and working in Down, and playing his club football with Down club Burren, he was. as he says himself. one of the first to get off the celebration bandwagon.

“We had a great night back in the Grand Hotel, Malahide. All my family were there and it was good to share the occasion with them and the supporters and of course the homecoming was out of this world.

“First crossing the Drowes, and then onto Bundoran, Ballyshannon and Donegal Town on the Monday night. The crowds and the scenes were unbelievable and I suppose brought home to me for the first time what winning the All-Ireland meant to the people of the county.

“By the time Thursday came we were all exhausted and I know I certainly was not fit for any more long days and late nights. I was lucky in that I had a good excuse; a friend of mine Patrick McCafferty, Belleek, was getting married on the Friday so I got off the bandwagon on Thursday.

“The following week I was back training with Burren preparing for the first round of the Ulster club championship final. I had just transferred to them that year and with Burren getting to the Ulster final I did not get back down for much of the celebrations for the rest of the year, which was disappointing. But believe me I still enjoyed it all the same and what was a special year in my life and that of many Donegal people.”

Donegal Ladies GAA have a letter of complaint on its way to the National Ladies GAA committee in Croke Park following a serious injury suffered by star forward Gerdaldine McLaughlin at the weekend.

McLaughlin, one of the top forwards in ladies football, suffered a back injury in the closing minutes of Sunday’s National Football League defeat by Laois in Mountmellick and spent a number of hours in the Midland Hospital in Tullamore, Co Offaly, before being released late on Sunday night.

“It’s not good enough and we are very annoyed about the injury and the treatment Geraldine has received in our last two games against Kildare and Laois,” said a very irate Donegal manager Micheal Naughton last night.

“We were very unhappy with the level of protection she received against Kildare and we made our feelings known about it. We had the same referee again on Sunday, and still she was pulled and dragged all over the place.

“We accept she is a class forward and will be the target of teams, but all we are calling for is fair play and protection from referees but sadly over the last two weekends Geraldine has not received that protection.

“We’ve just had enough of it. I have been on to our secretary Deirdre Dillion this morning and she is writing to Croke Park to make our feelings known on the matter.”

McLaughlin received treatment for a pelvic injury which may sideline her for four to six weeks.