Dungiven book spot in Ulster minor final on New Year’s Day

By Michael McMullan

DUNGIVEN booked their place in the Ulster Minor Football Tournament final at St Paul’s with a 2-11 to 3-6 win over Burren.

A goal form the impressive Darach McGonigle had the Derry champions 1-5 to 1-2 ahead at the break.

Burren with back to within point after six second half minutes before a goal from Oisin McStay had the Down men ahead, 2-5 to 1-6, after 44 minutes.

Dungiven bossed the kick-outs – winning 24 of the 37 from both ‘keepers, and were soon back level before a curling Eoin Higgins shot had them ahead at 2-10 to 3-6.

Odhran Murphy – who hit 1-8 – scored from the rebound when he saw his penalty saved to put Dungiven clear.

Dara Mussen hit a stoppage time  penalty for Burren before Murphy hit the insurance point.

They play the winners of Four Masters and Donaghmore who meet in the second semi-final on December 26, with the final set for New Year’s Day.

Dungiven: O McElhinney; J Dunne, D Colgan; K O’Connor; P O’Kane, KB Mullan, J Dillon; P Haran, B Butcher; S McLaughlin, E Higgins (0-3, 1f), D McGonigle (1-0); C Gaile, O Murphy (1-8, 3f), D O’Neill
Sub: C Murphy for D O’Neill (57)

Yellow card: O McElhinney (60)

Burren: R Downey; M Farrugla, S Fitzpatrick, M McManus; A King, C Woods, O MacAuley (1-1); S Begley (0-1), C Ward; D Murdock (0-1), D Mussen (1-3, 1pen, 2f), C McKinley; J McLoughlin, O McStay (1-0), C O’Hare
Subs: D Carvill for J McLoughlin (41), O McManus for A King (57)

Yellow cards: S Begley (27), C O’Hare (56), M Farrugla (62)
Red card: C Woods (64)

Referee: M Loughran (Tyrone)