Four Masters celebrate Democrat Cup win Pic Thomas Gallagher
Four Masters 0-15 Dungloe 1-10
In what was a disappointingly poor Division 1 final in Davy Brennan Park, Glenties, Four Masters just edged the contest with Dungloe to take home the Democrat Cup for the first time since 2010.
They had a good period at the end of the first half to go in three points in front and they just about held that advantage throughout the second half. Oisin Doherty was prominent for them, as was Killian Faulkner while Darren Curran and Karl Magee were to the fore for Dungloe.
In a very slow burner first half, we were expecting much more after a whirlwind start from Dungloe with the ball in the net on 50 seconds. Darren Curran was the scorer after he cut through the Four Masters defence.
Killian Faulkner nearly cancelled the goal but his effort was stopped on the goaline. From the resulting ’45’ Lewis McCaughan got Four Masters on the board.
Dylan Sweeney and Tiarnan McBride traded points before a two point free from McCaughan had the sides level on 16 minutes. Luke Clerkin and Oisin Doherty traded scores before Matthew Ward found Karl Magee for a 1-3 to 0-5 lead.
Dungloe had a second goal chance on 27 minutes as Oisin Bonner dispossessed Lewis McCaughan. The ball broke to Patrick O’Donnell but his effort blazed just wide.
It was an expensive miss as Four Masters had a purple patch at the end of the half. Patrick Reid levelled and Oisin Doherty put them ahead for the first time.
Karl Magee equalised once again but in added time Thomas Lenehan hit a great two pointer and Killian Faulkner added a single to leave the Donegal Town men in control.
Half-time: Four Masters 0-10, Dungloe 1-4.
The second half began in similar style to first half, listless for the most part, over and back. Half-time substitute Danny McCready hit a point on 35 minutes while Oisin Doherty punished a breach at the other end five minutes later.
Oisin Doherty edged Four Masters four clear while Oisin Bonner replied immediately. Danny McCready hit a post as the game threatened to come to life. A two point free from Danny Rodgers left just a point between them with nine minutes left.
The sides were all square a minute later when Danny McCready fired over a free but Four Masters responded with the excellent Oisin Doherty edging them ahead again with five minutes left.
Lewis McCaughan was wide from a two point free and Tomás Carr was also just off target. Lenehan and Patrick Reid also missed chances as the game entered four minutes of added time.
Finally Tomás Carr found the range with a two pointer to open a three point lead. Odhran McMullin was black carded. Dungloe went looking for a goal and there was a stoppage which left spectators wondering. Mark Dorrian then threw up the ball in front of the Four Masters goal and Darren Curran fired just over.
It was to be their last chance as Four Masters held on to win.
Four Masters scorers: Oisin Doherty 0-5,2f; Lewis McCaughan 0-3,45,1tpf; Thomas Lenehan 0-2,tp; Oisin Doherty 0-2; Tomás Carr 0-2,tp; Patrick Reid, Tiarnan McBride, Killian Faulkner 0-1 each.
Dungloe scorers: Darren Curran 1-1; Danny McCready 0-2,2f; Danny Rodgers 0-2,tpf; Karl Magee 0-2; Dylan Sweeney, Luke Clerkin 0-1 each.
Dungloe: Danny Rodgers; Chris O’Donnell, Aaron Ward, Mark Curran; Aaron Neely, Conor O’Donnell, Karl Magee; Darren Curran, Matthew Ward; Patrick O’Donnell, Dylan Sweeney, Luke Clerkin; Shaun McGee, Conor Greene, Oisin Bonner.
Subs: Danny McCready for P O’Donnell (ht);
Four Masters: Lewis McCaughan; Leo McHugh, Eoghan O’Neill, Caolan Sweeney; David Monaghan, Caolan Loughney, Callum McCrea; Conor Reid, Patrick Reid; Odhran McMullin, Tomás Carr, Oisin Doherty; Killian Faulkner, Tiarnan McBride, Thomas Lenehan.
Subs: Alex McCalmont for L McHugh (45);
Referee: Mark Dorrian (Gaeil Fhánada).
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