Naomh Columba 0-8 St Eunan’s 7-12
BY RYAN FERRY
ST EUNAN’S ratted in seven goals as they outmuscled Naomh Columba in the Under 23 Gold Final at Lifford on Sunday morning.
It was evident from early in the match that St Eunan’s had a potent forward line and they led by 4-4 to 0-6 at the break.
The O’Donnell Park club continued to dominate after the restart and ran out deserving winners.
Heavy rain before the match made underfoot conditions difficult while the players had to contend with a bright sun when the action started.
That didn’t deter the Letterkenny ladies who were excellent in the opening quarter.
Shauna Higgins landed a point before Caitlin Fletcher expertly slipped home a goal in the sixth minute.
Naomh Columba goalkeeper Tara Breslin then made a stunning save to deny Fletcher but Alisha Tobin was in the right position to finish off the rebound.
Laoise McGinley had an effort at goal blocked for Naomh Columba and her teammate Jeannie Cunningham then had to be alert to clear off the line from Fletcher.
Higgins was full of energy and athleticism and she added two more points to the St Eunan’s account.
It was tough going for Naomh Columba although Niamh Boyle did register two frees.
However, that was just a brief respite.
Goal number three for St Eunans arrived in the 20th minute with Sarah Lambe providing the finishing shot.
Fletcher was causing havoc and she won a penalty and rifled it into the top corner to make the score 4-3 to 0-2.
Ailbhe Doherty then came powering into the match with two points in quick succession.
Laoise Ryan responded with a good effort but Ailbhe Doherty and Grace Gallagher kicked the final points of the first half.
St Eunan’s led by ten points at the break and they extended that advantage after the restart with points from Fletcher and Ryan.
There were then three goals for St Eunan’s in the space of five minutes with Tobin, Sine Ryan, and Cara McGonagle all raising green flags while Clodagh Sheerin struck a point.
Niamh Boyle added two frees for Naomh Columba but they were undoubtedly second best.
Laoise Ryan capped off a fine performance for St Eunan’s with two late points while McGonagle, Fletcher, and Tobin (free) were also on target in this emphatic triumph.
Naomh Columba: Tara Breslin; Megan Breslin, Niamh Ni Ghadhra, Jeannie Cunningham; Aoibhe Curran, Grace Gallagher (0-1), Leeza Cunningham;Kate Byrne, Alanna Boyle; Melanie McGill, Ailbhe Doherty (0-3), Laoise McGinley; Caitriona O’Neill, Niamh Boyle (0-4, 4fs), Shauna Kelly. Subs: Sara Curran and Jasmine Byrne for M.Breslin and Ni Ghadhra (Half-time), Louise Doherty for Kelly (44 mins), Rionach Ni Eochaidh for A.Curran (52 mins), Clodagh Ellis for McGill (58 mins).
St Eunan’s: Orla Malseed; Katherine Hopkins, Sinead MacIntyre, Lucy McKeever; Sine Ryan (1-0), Sophie McFeely, Anna Boyle; Shauna Higgins (0-3), Laoise Ryan (0-4); Caitlin Fletcher (2-2, 1 pen), Cara McGonagle (1-1), Ella McLaughlin; Clodagh Sheerin (0-1), Alisha Tobin (2-1, 1f), Sarah Lambe (1-0). Sub: Aoibhinn Ward for Lambe (45 mins).
Referee: Paul Martin (Dungloe).
Player of the Match: Caitlin Fletcher (St Eunan’s)
Flecther was awesome in this game and her pace caused Naomh Columba a lot of problems. Shauna Higgins, Laoise Ryan, and Sophie McFeely all stood out. Ailbhe Doherty was best for Naomh Columba.
Turning Point: Caitlin Fletcher bagged a goal in the fifth minute and her team were always heading for victory after that.
The Whistler: There was no hassle for Martin in this encounter and he had a good outing.
Talking Point: St Eunan’s were much the better side in this match and will be happy to conclude the season with a trophy. They definitely have the ingredients to push on at senior level next season. Naomh Columba have had a good year at minor and senior grade but this was a flat performance and they will move on from it quickly and focus on 2026.
What’s Next: The season is now complete for both of these teams.
