NORMALLY a team fighting back from seven points down to win the County title would be a massive surprise but it has been common practice for Naomh Conaill this season to dig out victories after seemingly being on the brink.

They did the same against Termon and Four Masters, and Naomh Conaill truly were the men teams just couldn’t kill off.

Gaoth Dobhair played some brilliant football in the first half and put themselves in a great position to win the match.

However, Naomh Conaill got a grip in the second half with Kieran Gallagher coming to the fore.

They raised their intensity levels hugely. Gaoth Dobhair were put under serious pressure and they forced turnover after turnover.

Naomh Conaill still missed a good few chances but they stuck at it and when Shea Malone landed that brilliant equaliser to send the match to extra-time, you just sensed there was only going to be one winner from then on.

Gaoth Dobhair had a couple of great chances to make sure of their victory at the end of the normal time but missed them and they looked hugely frustrated as the sides headed for the dressing rooms.

They made a few changes for the additional time but just couldn’t get their hands on the ball.

I think they only had one attack in the first half of extra-time and didn’t get a shot away.

In contrast, Naomh Conaill had the momentum and reeled off 1-3 to pull clear and they were able to see the game out.

It was an enjoyable final and a lot of players impressed but for me there was no doubt over who the man-of-the-match was.

For me, Finnbarr Roarty was just simply phenomenal.

When things weren’t going to plan in the first half, he still showed leadership and kicked two points.

And his hard running and desire helped to inspire the second half comeback.

I would have loved to have seen Finnbarr’s GPS numbers after the match. He just appeared to be everywhere.

Finnbarr must be a dream for managers. You’re always asking players to give it everything they have and that’s exactly what he does.

If he has to go from A to B, it’s with a sprint. There’s no half-jogging or looking around to see if someone else might cover him.

There’s obviously been a lot of work put into developing Finnbarr in terms of his S&C and his game awareness but you can’t coach heart and desire, and he has that in abundance.

It’s been some season for the 19-year-old who is going to win Young Footballer of the Year.

There’s still a lot of ball to be played between Ulster and the Under 21s and the intercounty campaign will soon be starting up again, and I’m sure there will be a plan to look after his workload because you don’t want a young star like that breaking down because he’s doing too much.

Kieran Gallagher had a huge game in the middle of the field and Brendy McDyer rolled back the years with some vital scores.

Max Campbell was outstanding for an 18-year-old, and Kevin McGettigan once again came up with a vital goal for his team.

In fairness to Gaoth Dobhair they kept going right until the end and Ethan Harkin kicked a brace of two-pointers.

They then had a free at the end of the match to try and salvage a replay. Ethan was going well but it was probably just a bit too far out for him. It would have been a big ask to let a teenager like Padraig Mac Giolla Bhríde take it but if he’s their best striker of a ball from the ground, maybe he would have been the correct choice.

There’s no doubt that it’s going to be a long winter in Gaoth Dobhair.

They will be devastated with the manner of this loss and it won’t be easy to come back.

But when the dust settles, I think they will see the signs of progress that were made this year.

They certainly upped their game and you could see how their confidence grew.

There’s definitely a championship in that team in my eyes but there is work to do in terms of S&C and building depth.

They need to try and keep all their young players and home and perhaps persuade some of the talented men in their late twenties to come back from their travels and represent the parish once more.

There were big celebrations for Naomh Conaill and you have to hand it to Martin Regan.

That’s the sixth time he has led Naomh Conaill to the Dr Maguire Cup, and he is a huge figure in the running of the club behind the scenes as well.

There’s a great culture there and young people want to be part of it.

You look at the success of their reserve side and it must have been a great party when you have two sets of players celebrating epic extra-time victories.

Naomh Conaill now have a four-week break before facing either Scotstown or Inniskeen.

It’s a tough away draw but I get the sense this Naomh Conaill team are really hungry to win an Ulster title and they’ll give it all they have.

Junior

Carndonagh are the Junior ‘A’ Champions after they got the better of Letterkenny Gaels by four points.

Carn have been knocking on the door for a few years and you just felt this was the season they had to make the breakthrough.

They got off to a great start and were looking good at half-time.

Ronan Frain led a Letterkenny Gaels fightback and they got back to within two points.

However, Carn showed good composure to get the scores they needed down the home straight.

Much like Finnbarr in the senior final, Conor O’Donnell had the look of a man who just wouldn’t be going to the losing dressing room after the match.

He scored 1-7 and his goal was fantastic as he left two defenders in his wake and hammered into the top corner.

I was delighted for Conor as he has had his injury problems but has battled back well.

He was outstanding for Donegal in the All-Ireland Final but didn’t get his medal. However, at least the year ends with some silverware for him.

Carn tick a lot of boxes and I think they could go deep in the Ulster Junior Championship.

They have good youth coming through and should be able to hold their own in the Intermediate Championship in the coming seasons.

Erne Gaels

It’s a big Saturday ahead for Erne Gaels as we try to retain the Fermanagh Senior Championship title.

We take on Derrygonnelly Harps in the final and it’s going to be really difficult as they have been the top team in the county for the last decade.

It’s a match we are looking forward to and I think it should be a good game of football.

I’ve really enjoyed my time with Erne Gaels and have got great support from the local community.

We won the Championship last season for the first time in 43 years and that was a great success.

You always wonder if lads will take their foot off the gas in the year that follows but in fairness to our boys, they have really knuckled down.

We have kept the same group together and they have put in a big effort this season so hopefully we can get over the line.

Another final to keep an eye on this weekend is the London decider.

Tir Chonaill Gaels has always been traditionally the big Donegal club in London down through the years.

They have a few players from the county involved but North London Shamrocks have a huge contingent from Donegal at the moment.

A lot of their players would have lined out at underage for Donegal and there are some quality operators.

John McDyre, who gave great service to Na Rossa down through the years, is now playing for the Shamrocks and his first cousin Ryan McCready will line out with Tir Chonaill Gaels so that will be an interesting one for the family.

I’m sure there will be plenty of craic around Ruislip on Sunday and it should be a tight final.