Donegal Masters GAA record their first victory with win over Antrim

Donegal Masters recorded their first victory of the 2024 campaign with a smash and grab win over Antrim  at the Tyrone Centre of Excellence in Garvaghy at the weekend.

Down by four points with five minutes left, Francie Martin’s side produced a great finish with 2-1 to take the spoils.

The final score of 2-11 to 1-11 in favour of Donegal was tough on Antrim, who Martin says were probably the better team over the hour. “But goals win matches and it went for us on the day. It was good to get the win and it sets up nicely for our trip to London in a couple of weeks’ time.”

Those late goals came from substitute Paddy Hannigan, who got on the end of a high ball, “to slap to the net”. Then in the next Antrim attack, the ball was turned over and Gerard McBrearty was in behind the Antrim defence to fire home a second.

There was time for Nigel McGonagle to fist a point to secure the three point win.

“We started poorly but got into the game before half-time and we were 6-4 up at the break. But they came at us in the second half and we went four down.

“We kept plugging away but were still four down with five to go but then came the two goals,” said Martin.

The Donegal point scorers in the opening half were Benny Boyle 0-2,1’45’, Shaun Maguire, Toirleach McGinley, Damien Brown and Nigel McGonagle.

In the second half, Damien Browne, Aaron Thompson, Benny Boyle and Stephen Coyle added points before the whirlwind finish.

It was a big win as Antrim had won their opening two games in the competition. 

Donegal team: Carl O’Brien; Enda Bonner, Eamon Ward, Toirleach McGinley; Martin Donaghy, Conor McShane, Aaron Thompson; Stephen Coyle, Brendan Boyle; Nickey McGarrigle, Hugh Foy, Nigel McGonagle; Gerard  McBrearty, Shaun Maguire, Damien Browne.

Subs: Eamon McHugh, Paul McCrudden, Paddy Hannigan, Diarmaid Slevin, Barry Nelis, Brian Doherty, David McShane, Paul Gallagher, Stephen Nairn, Benny Quinn, John Doherty, Gary Gallen, Charlie Doherty.

Eamon Ward in action for the Donegal Masters against Antrim