Unsuccessful appeal gives green light for Na Rossa to step into Ulster

By Michael McMullan

ANY hint of doubt about Na Rossa’s opener against Lisnaskea was quashed this week and the sides will lock horns on Saturday (O’Donnell Park, 2.45pm)

Na Rossa – managed by former Donegal star and boss Declan Bonner – were winners over Moville in the Donegal final but there was an appeal lodged after Na Rossa had 16 players on the field for a spell during the game.

Last Thursday’s appeal, to Donegal CCC, was unsuccessful and with no follow-up from Moville, Na Rossa can fully focus on their date with the Fermanagh champions.

After shipping three goals in a draw with Naomh Conaill (0-13 to 3-4) in their first group game, Na Rossa went on a winning run that took them all the way to the final.

Aidan McHugh, Cillian Bonner and Odhran Molloy were all on song in a 0-15 to 1-10 win. For their part, Lisnaskea hit 4-10 in their quarter-final before battling to a 1-11 to 2-7 semi-final win over Aghadrumsee.

Captain Joe McDade – a Hogan Cup winner with St Michael’s – bagged three goals in the final, a rematch with Aghadrumsee, with his brother Justin going through a mountain of work at midfield.

Na Rossa will have another unlikely threat to factor into their plans in the shape of Lisnaskea goalkeeper Ethan McCaffrey who hit 0-6 from placed balls in the Fermanagh decider.

Lisnaskea have tradition from the provincial series. After winning the Erne Intermediate title in 2010 they backed it up with UIster glory and were All-Ireland champions on a memorable day in Croke Park, helped by eight points from Daniel Kille.

Enniskillen (twice), Roslea and Derrygonnelly have reached Ulster senior finals with Belnaleck playing in a junior decider.

Now, it’s about Sunday and a clash with Na Rossa to see who will face the winners of Arva’s clash with Ballymaguigan in the semi-finals.