McHugh goal spurs Naomh Mhuire to glory

A Tomás McHugh goal after 20 minutes proved the decisive score in this keenly-contested All-Ireland Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta junior final at the magnificent Ballingeary venue yesterday.

There was little to choose between the teams throughout but the Naomh Mhuire forwards were that bit sharper even though they did kick 11 wides, the same as their opponents.

Achill’s approach work was excellent but faulty shooting cost them several scores. In contrast Naomh Mhuire, with limited possession, made it tell, and they led by two points after six minutes.

It took the Mayo side 16 minutes to open their account but despite good outfield play by midfielder Martin Keane and wing forward David Ryder, they squandered several good chances and were made to pay the price.

Niall O’Donnell drove a line ball deep into the Achill defence where it ran loose to Tomas McHugh and he billowed the net from close range to help his side to an interval lead of 1-3 to 0-1, and well on their way to the their first ever title in this competition.

There was far more urgency in Achill on the changeover. The switch of Martin Keane to full forward was a help and with David Ryder excellent along side him, the Mayo side had the deficit down to the minimum by the end of the third quarter, Ryder contributing two excellent points.

However it was as close as Naomh Mhuire allowed them to get. Inspired by the brilliance of Brendan Boyle at centre back, the Donegal side finished strongly with points by Kieran McGinley and Patrick McConville to run out deserving winners to delight their loyal band of followers.

Scorers: Naomh Mhuire: T. McHugh 1-1; K. McGinley 0-3; K. Doherty, B. Boyle, P. McConville 0-1 each. Achill: D. Ryder 0-3; D. Corrigan, MD Sweeney 0-2 each.

NAOMH MHUIRE: F. Gallagher; D. Gallagher, C. Doherty, J. McBride; T. Duffy, B. Boyle, N. O’Donnell; B. Mulholland, S. Gallagher; K. Doherty, T. McHugh, P. McConville; K. McGinley, S. Gallagher, E. McGarvey.

ACHILL: C. Fadian; S. Cafferty, M. Gallagher, B. Gallagher; MG Gallagher, C. Cafferty, D. McNamara; MD McNamara, M. Keane; D. Gallagher, D. Corrigan, MD Sweeney; D. Ryder, C. Gallagher, M. McNamara.

Subs: RD McNamara for M. Gallagher; K. Needham for M. McNamara.

Referee: P. Lehane (Ballingeary).