The postponed Donegal SFC title was decided this afternoon as Glenties club Naomh Conaill outfought St Eunan's 1-9 to 2-5 in a predictably tense affair in Ballybofey.
It was a scrappy, low-scoring game played in difficult October conditions.
The decisive moment of the match was a seemingly harsh red card doled out to Shane O'Donnell of the Letterkenny club just before the break
In the dying moments of the first half, there was a scrap in front of the St Eunan's goal. O'Donnell pushed Jeaic Mac Ceallbhui of Naomh Conaill and saw red from referee Mark Dorrian.
Many watching the game at home were surprised to see red card brandished. Others thought Naomh Conaill's talisman Ciarán Thompson was lucky to escape with a yellow for a tackle in the buildup to the incident.
The ref and umpires have made a very poor call on this one. You have to feel for Shane O Donnel. A yellow and a red 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Ps1U1wzdT4
— Michael Boyle (@boylem24) October 15, 2022
That appeared to be a very harsh red card for Shane O'Donnell in the Donegal final
— Paddy Tierney (@PaddyTierney21) October 15, 2022
Big call right on half-time there. Seems that Shane O'Donnell didn't do much. Naomh Conaill will be happy enough two down against that wind with a spare man now
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) October 15, 2022
Donegal intercounty star Niall O'Donnell of St Eunan's voiced his displeasure with the decision on Twitter after the game, saying "Ye give up so much & train all year round for a sideline official to go and ruin the biggest day of the year". He also had some choice words for the umpire.
Brendan McDyer of Naomh Conaill spoke after the match about the grit his team showed in winning the match in less-than-ideal conditions.
"We knew the conditions were going to be a factor for both teams. This time of year you're going to get nothing different, late Championship games. We knew it wasn't a day for fine free-flowing football. "
Lán Ama
“It was about giving it a proper go today” 👌👊
Is é Brendan McDyer Laoch na hImeartha inniu!
Comhghairdeas leat Brendan! 🔵⚪@NaomhConaillGAA
#GAABEO@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @officialdonegal
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/gK4BJnBvY6— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 15, 2022
Today is another step forward for Naomh Conaill as the club continues its rise in Donegal. The club won Donegal's Senior A and B titles today.
The Donegal SFC final was supposed to take place last weekend but was postponed because of the tragedy in Creeslough where ten people lost their lives.
SEE ALSO: GAA Considering In-Game Punishments For Teams Whose Mentors Abuse Referees
