Donegal U-16s get championship off to a flyer with dominant win over Fermanagh

Donegal 5-18 Fermanagh 0-1
Donegal’s U-16 side cruised to a 32-point championship victory in Fr Tierney Park this afternoon as Paul Gillespie and Dessie McNamara’s side limited Fermanagh to just a single point in what was a tough hour for the Erne side in Ballyshannon. 

The home side nearly had the outstanding feat of almost keeping Fermanagh scoreless for the entire hour only for Ella McDermott to tap over a late free on the hour mark after being afforded the opportunity to retake the shot which gave Mark Gallagher’s side their only point of the match.  

From the outset, it was evident that Donegal came prepared to leave their mark on the pitch, exhibiting precision, teamwork, and unwavering determination throughout the game. 

Right from the throw-in, Donegal seized control of the game, swiftly asserting their authority with a series of swift attacks and accurate passing with Mia O’Donnell slotting the only goal of the half which she drilled into the back of the net on the quarter-hour mark. 

Their offensive prowess was on full display as they continuously breached the Fermanagh defence, creating scoring opportunities with remarkable efficiency with Ardara player Caoimhe Gallagher landing three long-ranged points while O’Donnell fired a number of frees to keep the scoreboard ticking throughout.  

The Donegal forward line exhibited exceptional skill and coordination, expertly maneuvering past their opponents with Elisha Boyle, Laura Boyle and Ciara Larkin all finding range to split the posts as the ladies ran to the dressing room at half-time soaking with the scoreline standing 1-13 to no score. 

Fermanagh, to their credit, battled valiantly to stem the tide of Donegal's relentless onslaught at the beginning of the second half. However, they found themselves consistently thwarted by the tenacious Donegal defense, which stood firm against Fermanagh's attempts to breach their lines.  

Donegal's defensive unit demonstrated impeccable positioning and resilience, denying Fermanagh any significant scoring opportunities and frustrating their efforts to gain a foothold in the game. 

As the match progressed, Donegal continued to showcase their superiority in all facets of play, but mostly through their goalscoring ability with Cayla McFadden raising two green flags, which was followed by goals from Heidi McHugh and Eva McNamara, which were all created by the dominance of the home side’s midfield with Aoife McDermott and Orlaigh Faul winning primary possession and launching waves of attacks on the Fermanagh goal with long balls inside.  

Despite their best efforts, Fermanagh struggled to contain the rampant Donegal side, who continued to pile on the scores with relentless determination.  

In the end, it was a comprehensive victory for Donegal, who demonstrated their credentials as a force to be reckoned with at this level.  

Donegal: Elianne McFadden; Florence Naughton, Niamh Barrett, Aibhe Ward; Laura Boyle, Elisha Boyle, Reiltin Doherty; Aoife McDermott, Orlaigh Faul; Aoife Doherty, Caoimhe Gallagher, Eimear Doherty; Mia O’Donnell, Kayla McHugh, Ciara Larkin. Subs: Aine Walsh, Katie McGowan, Kayleigh O’Donnell, Maria Hynes, Eva McNamara, Emer Molloy, Aileen Sweeney, Aibhe Doherty, Ella Byrne, Caoimh McLaughlin, Caoimhe McNulty, Heidi McHugh, Aoibheann McCann, Toni Boyle, Cayla McFadden, Aoibhne Wallace, Sophie Campbell, Laoise McGinley, Cara McGonigle, Sarah Hegarty, Laura Quinn. 

Fermanagh: Niamh O’Donnell; Caitlin Flanagan, Caoimhe Collins, Connie Maguire; Hannah Murphy, Mia Reilly, Zara McGourty; Amy O’Hanlon, Tori Gallagher; Hollie McGurk, Kellie McAnespey, Katie Elliott; Matilda McDaid, Ciara Parker, Kayla Toye. Subs: Emma McGaney, Ceara Manley, Ella McDermott, Katie McCann, Ciara Parker, Saoirse Wray, Katie Rasdale, Caitlin Magee, Hollie Mulligan, Kayle Pennell, Kerri Pennell, Ava Carrigon, Chloe Rebill.