Tyrone respond to beat Donegal

The determination on the face of Naomh Conaill’s Thomas Donoghue shows as
he holds possession from Stephen O’Neill

Donegal 0-9 Tyrone 0-11
Last Sunday at McCumhail Park, Ballybofey, Donegal faced Tyrone in Section C of the McKenna Cup. It was Donegal’s third competitive outing under new manager, Brian McIver.
An impressive game from playmaker Stephen O’Neill, wearing the number 23 jersey, allowed Tyrone to qualify for a place in the semi-final of the McKenna Cup - Tyrone 0-11 to Donegal’s 0-9.
The home side started the game very strongly and new recruit, Glenswilly’s Ciaran Bonner was very impressive. He scored four points in the first half and added another two to his tally in the second. Donegal had soon opened up a 0-5 to 0-1 lead.
However, Tyrone started to slowly come back into the game and when Stephen O’Neill pointed near the end of the first half, just two points separated the sides. O’Neill’s marker, Neil McGee just didn’t have the pace to keep up with the Tyrone supremo.
The visitors dominated the second period and scores from Ryan Mellon, Collie Holmes, Sean Cavanagh and the impressive O’Neill guaranteed them the win.
The Four Masters men played well with Karl Lacey having a good game, Paul Durcan was very steady in goals and Barry Monaghan came on as a sub in the second half and looked impressive. Michael Doherty came on as a sub late in the match. He replaced an ineffective Colm McFadden and Doherty soon got himself on the score sheet with a well taken point. Indeed, many Donegal fans felt that the result would have been a lot better had Doherty come on earlier as McFadden had missed a lot of convertable free chances - which specialist free-taker Doherty might have scored.
A lot of fairly new faces were tried on the day with county champions, Naomh Conaill, players Paddy Campbell and Thomas Donoghue giving strong performances.
However the find of the day for Donegal must be Ciaran Bonner who had an excellent match - he ran a direct attacking game - bagging six points for himself in the process.
Indeed with a bit of luck he might have stolen the game with a goal chance in the dying seconds but unfortunately his attempt didn’t make it into the back of the net.

Basketball

Milford 37 Donegal 42
Donegal ladies got back to winning ways with a hard earned away victory. The two teams were neck and neck for most of the match. In a free scoring opening quarter Milford marginally had the better of things leading 17-14. The inside moves of Lynette McPaul and the outside shooting of Pauline Gillespie helped ease them in front. Donegal hit back on the fast break with Ciara Buggy and Julieanne Murphy working hard down court to convert open lay ups. The second quarter was a poor affair as both teams struggled offensively. The outside shooting of Buggy and Catherine Gillespie narrowed the gap as Donegal reduced the deficit to one point. Scores from Teresa Barrett and McPaul kept Milford in front at the break. Milford continued to struggle to score throughout the third quarter although the excellent Louise Peoples converted two excellent inside moves. Donegal edged in front with outside shots from Suzie Harte and Murphy to lead 30-28 going into the last ten minutes. Ciara Buggy was outstanding for Donegal in the final quarter, scoring all of their points. With Donegal leading 38-34 and two minutes remaining three technicals on the Milford team saw Buggy at the line shooting six free throws. She made four of them. Donegal ran down the clock for the remaining couple of minutes. A huge three point shot from Teresa Barrett briefly gave Milford hope but Donegal held on for a vital victory. MVPs: Lynette McPaul, Ciara Buggy Milford: Lynette McPaul (8), Pauline Gillespie (6), Aoife McHugh (2), Leanne O’Donnell, Catherine McFadden (4), Teresa Barrett (7), Mairead McFadden, Aoife Dick, Andrea McGettigean, Mary Butler, Louise Peoples (4), Aoife Nash (6). Coach: Noel Gillespie. Donegal: Ciara Buggy (24), Deborah McMullin, Suzie Harte (7), Catherine Gillespie (2), Nuala Gallagher, Lisa Harte, Julianne Murphy (7), Louise Foy (2). Coach: Bill Collins
Ardara 34 Donegal 60
Donegal ladies continued their charge up the table with a comprehensive victory over Ardara. Donegal controlled the game from the outset with Louise Foy dominating beneath her own boards and Lisa Harte shutting out Ardara’s Charlene McHugh. Some early outside shooting from Ciara Buggy (3), Suzie Harte (5) and Catherine Gillespie (2) saw the visitors rush into a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. They stretched the lead in the second quarter and effectively killed the game off as a contest. The inside play of Louise Rooney and Lisa Harte and the fast breaking Julieanne Murphy was too much for Ardara as Donegal amassed an unassailable lead. Ardara outscored Donegal in the third quarter thanks to the outside shooting of Sheila and Stephanie Sweeney. Donegal kept on taking the ball inside to Sarah Harte who hit six points of offensive rebounds. Aoife McDonald and Aisling Corcoran fought hard for the home team in the final quarter making several outside shots, but Donegal kept on landing sucker punches through Buggy (11) and Murphy (6) to leave themselves in a good position before the up coming cup matches with LYIT. MVPs: Aisling Corcoran, Suzie Harte. Referees: Mairead Gallagher, Paul McHugh Ardara: Maeve O’Donnell (2), Aoife McDonald (12), Aoife Watters (4), Aisling Corcoran (2), Stephanie Sweeney (7), Carrie Bennette, Sheila Sweeney (7), Charlene McHugh. Donegal: Ciara Buggy (14), Suzie Harte (5), Catherine Gillespie (2), Sarah Harte (8), Louise Rooney (6), Lisa Harte (6), Julieanne Murphy (17), Louise Foy (2). Coach: Bill Collins.

Donegal Rugby Notes

by The Rucker

2006 has kicked off for Donegal with excellent results on the field. Off the field there have been moments of joy tinged with sadness.
Let’s begin with the new entrants to the world of parenthood. Congratulations to club captain Laurie McCaughan and Avril on the birth of a beautiful daughter. Also congratulations to Keith & Kathleen Anderson on the birth of their son JR. I hear Keith has now started work on project Sue Ellen.
On January 7, Donegal Firsts had a hard-earned 6-0 win over Virginia. Donal Martin kicked two penalties to win the game. The following Saturday the Firsts travelled to Antrim. Again we had a very fine display from Donegal when they came home with the points. In this game Vinny Murray scored a try. Donal Martin also got a try and kicked a conversion for a 12-10 victory.
All roads led to The Holmes last Saturday for the derby match against a confident and unbeaten Ballyshannon side. With the match scoreless, Donegal lost Emmet Brogan with a rib injury. The home side’s problems were compounded after 30 minutes when Donal Martin broke his leg. We wish him well in his recovery. Donal has been in excellent form this year and must be in contention for ‘Player of the Year. Get well soon, Donal, we need you. No substitutes are allowed in league matches.
After just half time, Donegal, who were now two men short, took a deserved lead through a 25 metre penalty.
Incidentally, the Democrat coverage this week is being undertaken by the Ballyshannon correspondent. I expect his report to be very ‘down to earth’ because 20 minutes into the second half he was rolling around in the mud in his good crombie coat! Shame about the coat! A derby match? More like a donkey derby!
It looked like Donegal would hold on for a 3-0 win but Ballyshannon scored a very good try in the corner. They knocked over the conversion from the touchline for a 7-3 lead.
But Laurie McCaughan raised his players once again for a blistering final quarter. They pounded away at the Ballyshannon line and it looked as if Donegal had 2 extra men. A hard-earned penalty in front of the posts got them back to 7-6. Then with time running out Donegal attacked again and were held up just short of the line. But they were awarded a penalty near the touchline. A cool and composed Vinny Murray lined the posts up and sent a sweet kick soaring over the bar. Donegal held on comfortably for a very fine victory.
I will not highlight any players this week as it was an excellent team performance, full of heart and vigour. Without doubt, it was the best I have seen the team play in years and it brought me rolling back to the halcyon days of Friel, McLaughlin, Gillespie, Fenton and Co. Let’s have more of the same, Laurie.
This Saturday the Firsts travel to Cookstown.
Donegal Rugby Club is just over 30 years old. This may seem quite a short time to many of you. But that period has yielded a rich harvest of memories and friends. We lost one of our friends this month with the sad passing of Leah Meehan. Leah was a good friend and supporter from the beginning, along with her husband Paddy. In those early days we travelled all over the country to play matches in such diverse places as Kilternan in Dublin, Castlebar, Gweedore, East Connaught and many more. Leah was always there to support Paddy and his team-mates. Back in Donegal Leah and her good friend Hilary organised a number of club events including Fashion Shows and The Donegal Rugby Queen. In the club-house Leah and Hilary made and dished out the meals to teams from all over Ulster. We will miss Leah but our loss is small compared with the huge void her passing has left in the lives of Paddy and Lyndon. Our sincere sympathy goes out to the family.
Annual Draw
The annual draw of €500 for the subscription members of the club took place in the Holmes on 21st January 2006. The winning member was Brendan Kelly, Mountcharles, Co Donegal.
Rugger Draw
A weekly draw took place on Saturday 14th January in the Coachouse Bar. The draw sequence was 4, 3, 7, 2, 6, 1, 5, and there was no jackpot winner. The consolation prize of €50 was won by Enda Travers, Finadoose, Donegal Town. The next draw took place on 21st January in the Rugby Club and the sequence was 4, 7, 1, 2, 6, 5, 3. The jackpot was not won but Del Sweeney, Coachouse Bar, Donegal Town, won the consolation prize. The next draw is to be arranged and the jackpot will be €1,350. Thanks for your continued support.