Derry's Lumen Christi claim Danske Bank Ulster Ward Cup success

Coláiste Ailigh (Letterkenny) 2-05   |   Lumen Christi (Derry) 2-08

Coláiste Ailigh’s bid for Danske Bank Ulster Ward Cup success ended in disappointment following Friday afternoon’s defeat to Lumen Christi College, Derry, in O’Donnell Park. 

Three points separated the sides at the finish as the Derry scholars came from seven points down early on to win by a single goal. 

Coláiste Ailigh got off to a lightning start with two goals in the opening six minutes. 

Midfielder Ruairi Caomhánach’s maximum, six minutes into the tie, opened up a 2-1 to 0–0 score lead. His midfield partner Lucas MacAonghusa had kicked the first three-pointer two minutes earlier when he got on the end of a good move to drill to the back of Lumen Christi net.

Lumen Christi defeated Colaiste Ailigh in O'Donnell Park

MacAonghusa followed with a close in free before Conchúr Ó Cionnaith laid off to Caomháneach, whose strike took a deflection past Tony Gallagher between the Derry posts.

But Coláiste Ailigh did not score again until Caomháneach registered on the stroke of half-time. It was his side's first score in 24 minutes.

In between Lumen College, who were physically bigger and stronger against a much younger Coláiste Ailigh, with a stiff breeze in their backs chalked up 1-5 without reply.

Cathal Deery, Eoin Canavan, Niall Brolly, Adam Devine and Conaill Campbell all kicked points as they reeled in the locals. 

Conaill Campbell is a son of former Donegal and Naomh Conaill star Paddy Campbell, and he impressed throughout.  

Coláíste Ailigh had a third goal from a Mac Aonghusa ‘45 that ended up in the back of the Lumen net. But the score was ruled out after the referee consulted with his umpires.  

With conditions deteriorating the second half, we experienced a number of heavy hail showers at the Letterkenny venue which made it extra difficult for the young teams competing. 

The sides both added a point each before big full-forward Niall Brolly struck for the game’s decisive score and Lumen’s second goal. 

With the Derry boys pressing, Brolly got a fist to a centre from out on the left-hand side for the game’s fourth green flag and that was on 48 minutes with Lunen now leading 2-6 to 2-3. 

The goal did draw a reaction from Ailigh and  Ó Caomhanach, from play, and Mac Aonghusa from a free, landed points for a one-point game with time running out. 

But Lumen closed out the game with late white flags from Odhran Campbell and Brolly. 

Coláiste Ailigh scorers: Lucas Mac Aonghusa 1-2, 2f; Ruairi Caomháneach 1-1; Conchúr Ó Cionnaith, Padraig Ó Murchadha  0-1 each. 

Lumen Christi scorers: Niall Brolly 1-1; Corey McGuinness 1-0; Cathal Deery, Eoin Canavan, Adam Devine, Niall Brolly, Conaill Campbell, Keelin Kilkey, Odhan Campbell 0-1 each.  

Coláiste Ailigh: DanMac A Bhaird; Jacob Ó Leadar, Sean Ó Mairtin, Fionn MacLochlainn; Eoghan Ó Fearáin, Senán Gallachóir, Euan Ó Loinsigh; Lucas Mac Aonghusa, Ruairi Caomhánach; Odhrán Ó Rian, Jeaic Risley, Conchúr Ó Cionnaith; Harry Blaca, Pilib Ó Dochartaigh, Padraig Ó Murchadha. 

Subs: Kian Mac Fhleastair for Padraig Ó Murchadha (46). 

Lumen Christi College: Tony Gallagher; Lorcan Doherty, Cillian Doherty, Adam Devine; Ronan Mooney, Eoin Canavan, Ethan McClelland; Odhran Campbell, Chris McCullagh; Mark Chester, Ronan Canavan, Corey McGuinness; Conaill Campbell, Niall Brolly, Cathal Deery.

Subs:  Keelin Kilkey for R Mooney (h/t); Ronan Lynch for Ethan McClelland (39).

Referee: Brian McCallion (Derry)