Amid atrocious weather conditions Warrenpoint U20s ventured out in to their first ever game at this level, granted it was just a friendly encounter between two equally talented sides, but it was the Donegal visitors that came away with bragging rights and a four-point victory. The quality of hurling was a delight to watch with both sides eager to gain the upper hand despite the incessant rain.
Dungloe had some quality hurlers in their ranks, with Donegal panellist Odhran McGonigal and John Boyle, whilst Thomas & James Hartnett, dominated proceedings around the middle of the park and caused several moments of panic in the home sides defence with their pace and flair, setting up numerous attacks for the Tír Chonaill men. For Cumann Pheadaír Naofa Tiernan Murphy, Jake McNabb, Conan Kelly and captain Thomas Magee were very impressive and all had passages of play that kept the Blues close to the power of their red & white visitors.
This was a very entertaining and evenly balanced game, as the light started to fade and the rain eased to a mist, it was fitting that the visitors claimed a late goal to guarantee a four-point victory. Despite losing out by four points on the day the Cumann Pheadaír Naofa U20s can take great credit that they pushed their visitors all the way to the final whistle, given that Dungloe have been a revelation in Donegal this year having defeated some of the kingpins like St Eunan’s, Ballyshannon and were narrowly beaten in the Minor A final by Setanta they will be a force to recon with in years to come.
The club would like to express their gratitude to Clonduff’s Paddy Brannagan for taking the time to come down and officiate at this game, despite having to rush off to his own club dinner dance immediately afterwards. We would also like to extend a massive thank you to the Dungloe team and their mentors for travelling down for the game and afterwards they made a small presentation to Aileen McAtee.
