A strong finish by Aodh Ruadh hurlers saw off a brave challenge from a Carndonagh side that had led for most of the game. The Inishowen side got off to a dream start when Cathal Doherty converted a penalty awarded in the first minute for a foul on Fearghal Doherty and continued to dominate hitting 1-4 before Rory Cullen got Aodh Ruadh off the mark. Once on the scoreboard, the Ballyshannon men dominated the second quarter and there were three points in it at the break 1-6 to 0-6.
With a slight breeze in their favour in the second half, Aodh Ruadh were soon level, but Carn re-grouped hitting two on the bounce and led by 1-9 to 0-11 when a Pauric Keenaghan goal gave the Ernemen the lead for the first time in the game. Undaunted, Carndonagh hit the next two points to level up the match once again with just three minutes left on the clock. Man of the match Ciaran Kilgannon, Oising Rooney and Keenaghan all hit late points to clinch victory for Aodh Ruadh.
Aodh Ruadh: Ryan O’Brien, Rossa McCusker, Pat Haran, Adam Rani, Conal Sweeney (0-1), Paul Sheridan, Peter Horan, Oisin Rooney (0-5, 4f), Brendan Gillespie, Pauric Keenaghan (1-2), Ciaran Kilgannon (0-4), Gary loughlin, Stephen Anderson, Cian Duffy, Rory Cullen (0-2). Subs used: Stephen Connolly, Ryan Ayres, Thomas Gallagher
Carn Domhnaigh: Fergal Bradley, Shaun McCreanor, Pádraig Doherty, Dermot Doherty, Mark Diver, James Monagle, Donal Doherty, Cathal Doherty (1-4, pen, 4f), Cormac Monagle, Darragh McCormick (0-2), Dermot McGonagle, Paddy Monagle (0-2), John O’Donnell (0-1), Feargal Doherty (0-1), Ryan Davenport (0-1). Subs used: Michael Doherty, Conal Doogan.
