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McGettigan the hero as Fanad edge out Buncrana in nail biting thriller:

Buncrana 2-11
Gaeil Fhánada 2-12

Two points in injury time from 18 year old Bernard McGettigan helped Fanad pick up a useful and probably deserved two league points after a rip roaring encounter with Buncrana. The two scores were worthy of winning any match and it was a fitting end for McGettigan who was lively throughout. Indeed Fanad nearly threw it away when they squandered an 8 point lead to find themselves a point down in injury time after goals from Peter McLaughlin and Darach 'Jigger' O'Connor propelled the Buncrana men into the lead for the first time in the game. A defeat for the Fanad side would have been harsh given their dominance over the hour. Aside from McGettigan, Fanad had some outstanding performances from Seamus Coyle, Paddy Heraghty, Conor McGonigle and Fergus Friel while the inside two of Eoghan Carr and Alan McAteer did very little wrong and gave their markers a torrid time. Fergal Friel was also assured and played a big part in the win while veteran Mark 'Sparky' Friel was central to most things good from the Gaeil Fhánada side. However each player can be happy with their own individual showing over the hour.

Fanad welcomed Oisin McFadden and Ephrim McFadden back to the fold from last week but both players had to settle for a spot on the bench while Michael Sweeney was also sidelined due to flu. Niall Carr and Seami Coshia were also unavailable from last week. Odhran Shiels failed to shake off the hamstring knock he picked up in the defeat against Convoy but good news for Eoghan Carr who passed a late fitness test to take his spot on the edge of the square. For Buncrana, they fielded a very strong side with county panelists Caolan McGonigle and Darach O'Connor influential, big Peter McLaughlin was a handful inside while John Campbell was their scorer in chief and had an excellent game. The Buncrana side also brought a physical edge to the game with Oisin O'Faherty a tad fortunate not to see yellow for some ferocious hits.
Fanad started well and retained possession in and around the Buncrana '45 with confidence, Carr pointed two excellent frees to get off the mark and push Fanad into an early lead on 6 minutes only for Ben Bradley to respond for Buncrana. McGettigan opened his account as he cut in from the left and punted over from close range for what was a fine individual score. A moment of indecision by Seamus Coyle was almost punished but Campbell was fouled as he bore down on goal and Buncrana tapped over the resulting free. McGonigle for Buncrana was struggling to make an impact in the game as Shiels and Jimmy Coyle got on plenty ball. Fergal Friel was also influential from kick outs in the opening half picking up two clean catches and two breaks as both teams tried to get a foothold on the game. A nine minute lull followed with Buncrana missing a number of opportunities, Odhran Doherty guilty of a couple of wides before Conor McGonigle swung a beauty over from 40 meters to establish a firmer grip on the game for Fanad. Another free from Carr was followed by a fine point from play by Aidan Stokes as he bombed forward and swung over off his weaker left foot. Campbell narrowed the gap to one with a close range effort before Carr again knocked over a free after he was fouled. Alan McAteer was the architect for Fanad's next score as he won the first ball inside before offloading to Oisin Shiels who tucked under goalkeeper Shaun Parker to push Fanad five points into the lead as the half closed. Before this, Shiels and Mark Friel had efforts sail wide while Fanad almost manufactured a goal chance through McGettigan and Mark Friel's effort then hit the upright to leave Fanad empty handed from a promising attack. Buncrana closed out the scoring in the half when Doherty popped over after good build up play.

HT:
Buncrana 0-5
Gaeil Fhánada 1-6

Fanad were content with their first half performance and started the second half in the same fashion, shadowing the possession stakes and patiently building attacks with Mark Friel key to this. Carr fired over another free for Fanad before McGettigan rattled home a goal 'soccer style' when the chance seemed gone. Campbell and Doherty responded for Buncrana as McGonigle started to dictate play for the Inishowen men fielding a high number of marks as well as driving at the Fanad rearguard. With the deficit at 6 points, Buncrana stepped on and were vulnerable but did have a more potent attacking threat. That vulnerability was taken advantage off firstly by McGettigan who arrowed over after he hit the upright with a goal bound effort and then Fergal Friel swung over a beauty from 35 meters to extend the lead to 8 points and things were looking good for the Fanad contingent. With 15 minutes remaining, Buncrana hit the next 3 scores, two off those from the boot of Campbell who was causing serious problems for the Fanad defence. Oisin McFadden replaced Ronan McAteer who worked hard before a lovely score off his weaker left by Oisin Shiels opened up the 6 point lead again with 11 minutes remaining. This was as good as it got for Fanad as Buncrana took control. Campbell responded instantly from distance as they started to open up the Fanad defence. A goal line clearance by James Gallagher kept Buncrana at bay before a long ball by O'Faherty was palmed home by McLaughlin to raise Fanad's nerves again with 6 minutes remaining. Ephrim McFadden entered the fray for Fergal Friel and was busy for the final 10 minutes. A period of long balls into the Fanad square followed and some heroic defending from Seamus Coyle and Paddy Heraghty stemmed the flow for a while before Jigger O'Connor cut inside from the right and fire low to the net. It was unfortunate for Fanad as Joe Blaney picked up an injury in tracking O'Connor while Brendan Friel will have felt he should have done better at his near post. Things were looking bad for Fanad at this stage as they found themselves trailing by one point as the game entered injury time. Step forward McGettigan who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, firstly strolling forward to curl over brilliantly and tie up the game after Campbell was probably fortunate not to receive a black card for a tactical foul on Heraghty and then Ephrim McFadden. A wide followed by Buncrana before Jimmy Coyle bravely collected a short kick out. He worked it through Ephrim and then Conor McGonigle who set McGettigan on his way and he again curled over a wonderful effort to send Fanad into the lead. Buncrana won the next kick out and drove at Fanad as they done all second half. Jigger found himself on the Fanad 45 close to the endline where he was fouled, up stepped McGonigle who's weak effort found Jigger but his effort at goal hung up in the air. Seamus Coyle and Jimmy Coyle hesitated as it fell to O'Faherty who swung over his shoulder. Referee Mickey Mulhern, who had a fine hour, was well placed to wave the ball wide and with Friel's kickout the final whistle was blown to mark a great game of football and a fine result for a very young and depleted Fanad side.

Overall Aidan will be delighted with some of the phases of play over the hour but will be disappointed with letting an 8 point lead slip albeit through two preventable goals. McGettigan really stepped up and has a bright future ahead of him while Fergus Friel had a solid game again.

Up next for Gaeil Fhánada is another away trip this time to Red Hughs where Fanad will be hoping to build on this performance.

Credit must also go to referee Michael Mulhern who had an excellent game and also to the players and management of both teams as they demonstrated excellent discipline which led to an easy flowing game.

 

Brendan Friel.

Seamus Coyle. James Gallagher. Joe Blaney. 
Conor McGonigle (0-1). Paddy Heraghty. Fergus Friel.

Jimmy Coyle. Oisin Shiels (1-1).

Ronan McAteer. Mark Friel. Fergal Friel (0-1). 
Alan McAteer. Eoghan Carr (0-5f). Bernard McGettigan (1-4).

 

Subs:
Oisin McFadden for Ronan McAteer 47m
Ephrim McFadden for Fergal Friel 48m
Matthew Gallagher for Joe Blaney inj 59m

Not used:
Shaun 'Horse' Friel
Patsy Friel
Michael Sweeney

 

 

Ladies kick off the league campaign with victory in Convoy:

 

Gaeil Fhánada 2:10

St Mary's Convoy 3:04

 

The ladies kicked the day of to a great start with victory in their first league game of 2018 in Convoy this morning.

 

John had a strong panel to choose from for the 10:30 throw in. He decided not to change a winning team, and started off with the same 15 which took to the field against Gaoth Dobhair in Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta on Good Friday.

 

It was a glorious morning for football and both teams made the most of these conditions in what was a tightly contested first half. Fanad had four shots at goal in the opening four minutes, three going wide and the pick of the efforts coming back of the post from Michelle Doherty. Convoy also had a wayward shot before Mairead Coll opening the scoring. She burst through the Convoy defence and finished with aplomb to the back of the net. Fanad were in charge of the opening exchanges, but perhaps didn't make the most of their opportunities and Convoy replied with a three pointer of their own in the eighth minute. They drove through the heart of the Gaels defence and stuck goal. It was a preventable goal, but the Gaels defenders didn't let their heads drop and held strong for the remainder of the first half, Rosheen Mc Ginley doing a superb job of organising her defenders. Convoy hit the lead in the 15th minute before Lauren Carr hit her first of the game from a free kick. Mairead Coll struck for a fine point moments later and Lauren Carr completed a dominant few minutes for the visitors with a well taken score from play. The hosts missed a couple of good chances, including a score-able free before Coll, who was having a wonderful first half swung over another point of her own making. Fanad were in control in this period, but Convoy responded in the final moments of the half! A long searching free kick into the danger area wasn't dealt with by the Fanad rearguard and the ball was bundled into the net after it was palmed across the goal mouth. Convoy hit a point straight after to move into the lead before Mairead Coll finished off the half with an equalising point for the Gaels. HT: Gaeil Fhánada 1:05. St. Mary's Convoy 2:02.

 

The hosts began the second half the stronger and hit a point in the opening 30 seconds to regain the lead. It was an eventful opening few minutes to the second period for Lauren Carr. She firstly responded to the Convoy score with one of her own from a free kick after Eimear Gibbons had been fouled but was unfortunately yellow carded a few minutes later. This proved to be a blow to the Gaels for the next ten minutes but they worked extremely hard to ensure they weren't punished on the scoreboard. Orlaigh Carr and Siobhán Coyle entered the fray at the beginning of the second half and both made an impact, Orlaigh with her strong running and Siobhán with her predatory instinct close to goal. Mairead Coll kicked over her fourth point of the day from a free before Siobhán swung over one of her own minutes later. The point of the day went to Caoimhe Walsh who squeezed a free kick over the bar with the aid of the post. Caoimhe hit the free from the 14 meter line, almost out at the sideline and was one which any forward would be delighted with. Lauren re-entered the fray as did Maria Doherty who replaced Eiméar Gibbons for the final twelve minutes. There was a lengthy stoppage midway through the second half to allow treatment to a Convoy forward who sustained what looked like a nasty hip injury. When the game got underway again Maria made an instant impact, striking a powerful shot into the roof of the net after a strong run by Orlaigh Carr and neat interplay in the build up. Convoy pounced on another high ball into the area three minutes later to hit the net and reduce the deficit to three points again. The tension was rising at this point, with Fanad squandering a few decent chances and Convoy unable to make them pay. Lauren Carr brought order to proceedings with a well taken score before Convoy replied with a point from their midfielder after good work by Niamh Mailey. With 41 minutes played in the second half due to injuries there were tense scenes as Convoy tried to work a goal, but Fanad weren't to be denied and ran out three point victors at the final whistle.

 

It was a day where everybody stood up and nobody could be faulted for their efforts. Niamh Mc Devitt was outstanding today with Maríosa Friel and Hannah Shiels also putting in solid displays. Mairead Coll and Lauren Carr were superb in front of goals with Rachel Sweeney and Caoimhe Walsh also putting in big shifts. John will also be delighted with the positive contributions made by all his substitutes.

 

We would also like to wish the Convoy player who sustained the injury a speedy recovery.

 

Rosheen Mc Ginley, Maggie Friel, Aisling Howe, Niamh Mc Devitt, Maríosa Friel, Hannah Shiels, Shauna Howe, Orla Mc Gonigle, Eiméar Gibbons, Mairead Coll (1:04), Michelle Doherty, Caoimhe Walsh (0:01), Michelle Mc Devitt, Rachel Sweeney, Lauren Carr (0:04).

 

Orlaigh Carr for Shauna Howe,

Siobhán Coyle (0:01) for Michelle Mc Devitt,

Maria Doherty (1:00) for Eimear Gibbons.

 

Gaeil Fhánada U10s - Boys & Girls:

Boys/girls born 2008/2009 - U10 training tomorrow evening Tuesday in Portsalon @ 5.45pm.

Please bring €2 and your own water bottle. 

Any boy or girl interested in playing Gaelic contact Martin Mc Ateer @ 087 3816105.

 

U12 boys:

First home game of the season for our U12 boys who host St.Michaels in Portsalon on Wednesday @ 7.15pm.  The lads will be hoping to follow up on a comfortable win over St.Eunans on Good Friday.

 

U13 & U14 Girls:

Training starts back on the 11th of April in Trialough: 6.45 - 7.45pm

 

Survey - Donegal GAA strategy planning:

There is a link to a very important survey where your feedback will be used to help Donegal GAA develop a strategic plan for the next few years.

 

Best of Luck:

The best of luck to Aidan Friel and John McDaid on the opening of their new business, The Narrow Quarter, in Kerrykeel today. Fantastic to see another premises open in the village.

 

Coaching Course:

The county board have kindly arranged a coaching course that will be held this month in Fanad (date and times to be confirmed). It is important that we get as many coaches, mentors and managers on this course as there will be invaluable information surrounding coaching underage teams given.

It will most likely be run over two sessions on a Friday evening and the next Saturday morning.

 

Anyone who hasn't already passed their name forward for this is asked to contact the following if you are interested:

Fiona Shiels - 0851555645

GP Shiels - 0860826300

Bridie Doherty - 0860585926

Our Facebook page.

 

Tesco Tokens for Gaeil Fhánada:

For the next 5 weeks Gaeil Fhánada are one of the 3 organizations in the Tesco Community Fund in Letterkenny.

 

Can we please ask everyone who may have the opportunity to do your shopping in Tesco to make sure to ask for the blue tokens at the checkout and add them to the Gaeil Fhánada box.

 

Seniors & Reserves:

Red Hughs away on Sunday 15th April @ 1.30pm (Reserves) and 3pm (Seniors) in Killygordon, full match preview can be found on Facebook/Twitter from Thursday on.

 

Gaeil Fhánada Cul Camp:

This year's Cul Camp is penciled in for July 30th until August 3rd this year.  More details will be released as we get them.

 

Follow us:

Don't forget to add/follow us on the following platforms:

Facebook - @gaeil.clg

Twitter - @gaeilfhanadaclg

Snapchat - gaeilfhanada

 

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