Patrick McBrearty’s score against Derry
AFTER a game in which Donegal had trailed for long periods, and actually looked like they were going to lose, they fought back to level the game. Chrissy McKaigue had been assigned to mark Patrick McBrearty in the game and had done a fantastic job on him, limiting the Kilcar man to just two points from frees throughout the match. But in the final moments, McBrearty got free and grabbed possession around the 45 and had a go under pressure. The ball flew over and gave Donegal the lead that they needed to earn the win.
Michael Murphy tribute
Donegal beat Tyrone by 0-18 to 0-16 in the National Football League at Healy Park in May. Murphy scored a superb 0-6 to see off the Red Hands. But he added at touch of class by dedicating his Man of the Match award to Michael ‘Jack’ O’Donnell, the photographer from Glenties who was a regular at many Donegal matches down through the years. He had died at the start of January after a short period of illness.
Langan’s long run
Against Armagh in the National League, Donegal laboured for periods but ended up hitting the final four points of the game to earn a draw against the Orchard county. One of the stand-out moments of the game was Michael Langan’s brilliant score. He was able to find the time and space to hammer the ball to the net past goalkeeper Blaine Hughes.
Shaun Patton’s stop
Donegal made light work of Down, but there were a few scary moments. Caolan Mooney scored a goal early in the second half much to goalkeeper Shaun Patton’s chagrin. When Ryan McEvoy broke through on goal, Patton’s reactions had to be spot on to make sure to pull off the stop. He did so and that was enough to destroy any hope that Down had of fighting their way back into the match.
McBrearty’s target shooting
Patrick McBrearty had a a brilliant game against Down in the Ulster Championship opener, and he scored 1-6 to make sure that Donegal earned their passage through the preliminary round. The pick of his scores was his stunning goal.
Jamie Brennan’s Down major
The Donegal attacker was gifted a brilliant goal chance and he showed his class as a finisher when he planted it past the Down net-minder. There was a question of overcarrying, but the quality of the strike cannot be argued, and in terms of enjoyable moments it was a great one for Donegal.
McHugh’s attacking play
While Michael Murphy’s departure in the game against Down was a concern, the performance of Ryan McHugh was a delight for Donegal fans as his charging runs were a joy to watch. Down couldn’t keep tabs on him and he was at the centre of everything that was good about their performance.
Caolan McGonigle goal
Donegal were trailing Tyrone in the Ulster Championship semi-final, 0-13 to 0-8 early in the second half. There was concern in the crowd. But then the Tir Chonaill men put in a fantastic run of passes. Eoghan ‘Ban’ Gallagher found Ryan McHugh, who then set up McGonigle who was charging through and he finished brilliantly to get them within two points of the Red Hands.
Langan’s solo run
Donegal had to battle to get a draw against Monaghan. In the first half they were in serious bother as Monaghan hit three goals early on, to lead 3-4 to 0-4. But Langan went on an incredible solo run through the middle of the Farney’s defence to crash the ball to the net.
McBrearty’s leveller at the death
Monaghan had hit four goals against Donegal in the National League clash. But they were only ahead by a point at the close. Up stepped McBrearty to fire over a superb point at the finish which would earn them a draw.
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