Ulster League Semi-Final
All Saints 1-8 Ghaoth Dobhair 6-10
An understrength All Saints made the journey to County Donegal today for the semi-final of the Senior Ulster League, hoping to secure a spot in the final.
Despite the beautiful sunny conditions, it was a tough day on the field, as the team faced a formidable opponent and ultimately fell to a heavy defeat. From the outset, the opposition applied intense pressure, making it difficult for All Saints to find their rhythm.
The visitors did take the lead through an early Michael McCarry point into the stiff breeze and there were moments of promise and determination from the team but the opposition proved too strong, capitalizing on key opportunities to extend their lead.
Three goals in a six minute period killed the game as a contest with David McLaughlin, Steven McFadden from a rather soft penalty and Eoin De Burca applying the finish.
Benny McDonnell got the All Saints goal and he and Michael McCarry kicked the majority of the visitor’s points.
Although the result didn’t go the way of the visitors, the team showed resilience and commitment throughout. This experience will serve as valuable motivation going forward, as All Saints look to regroup and come back stronger for Wednesday night’s opening division 1 league meeting with St. John’s.
It has been a useful Ulster league campaign for the Ballymena side with four wins on the bounce leading up to today’s semi-final and it should stand them in good stead as they go into their forthcoming season in Antrim.
Gaoth Dobhair now go forward to meet Burren of Down in next Sunday’s final and the Ballymena side wish them all the best and thank them for the hospitality and warm welcome they received on therir first visit to this part of Donegal.
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