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Glenswilly's Michael Murphy in possession as Marty Boyle and Jason Campbell of Naomh Conaill watch on Geraldine Diver
Composure

Glenswilly lose captain, but hold their nerve in injury time to advance to Donegal SFC final

The reigning champions showed their experience to power to a dramatic two-point victory.

Glenswilly 0-10

Naomh Conaill 0-8

GLENSWILLY STRUCK TWO injury time points to see off Naomh Conaill this afternoon in Letterkenny and seal a place in their RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta Donegal SFC final.

The county champions showed commendable composure – especially when captain Caolan Kelly was sent off on 57 minutes and two Dermot Molloy points had brought the Glenties side back on terms in the closing stages – to progress to a final meeting with neighbours St Eunan’s from Letterkenny next Sunday.

In wintery conditions, Glenswilly went in 0-4 to 0-3 in front following a rigid first half thanks to Ciaran Bonner’s point, when he blazed over an open goal yawning at his mercy. Michael Murphy then scored a wonderful free kick from the sideline by the 45-metre line to double their advantage as the second half took shape.

Naomh Conaill gradually began to abandon their conservatism and got back to level on two occasions, at 0-6 to 0-6 through Brendan McDyer and then at 0-8 to 0-8 with Molloy pointing.

Kelly was given his marching orders for a late challenge on Stephen Molloy and Bonner was black-carded in the last minute.

Ironically, in the pandemonium, it was Bonner’s replacement Oisin Crawford who edged his team in front at the bitter end. With Naomh Conaill pushing forward in an attempt to force extra-time, they left holes at the back and Eamonn Ward, the Glenswilly full-back, found himself in acres of space on the break and was content to take the sensible option to score the insurance point.

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