Donegal Town RFC 1sts travelled to Monaghan on Saturday for a quarter final showdown with the home team. It was a game the Donegal side were looking forward to as they were on a four match winning streak and so confidence was high. However things as always with sport didn’t go to plan.
Monaghan got off to a blistering start and with a strong wintry wind to their backs ran in two converted tries and two penalties to go 20-0 up within the first quarter of an hour. No sooner had Donegal managed a reply through a Cannon penalty than Monaghan once again cut through the Donegal defence for an unconverted try, to leave the score 25-3 down. But one thing this team are not short is heart and for the last 15 miutes of the first half they were camped inside the Monaghan ‘22’. Twice, following some great phases, Captain, Neville Connaghan and openside flanker, Shane Gillespiey were both held up a metre short of the line but bad luck, knock ons and strong defence from the homeside conspired against them and each time Donegal came away emptyhanded ..
Donegal started the second half where they left off in the first – on the attack. It was to be a half that saw great ball carrying by Donegal’s Shaun Mahon and Mark O Donnell as they continued to take the game to Monaghan. Donegal maintained possession and pressure for the greater part but couldn’t make it count. Scrum half, Pete-so Cannon, eventually got the try that was richly deserved considering all Donegal’s hard work, when he dummied to go over with just 8 minutes remaining. Despite his successful follow up conversion it was too little too late and Monaghan got a breakaway try to seal victory 32-10. However despite going out of the cup Donegal continue to enjoy one of their best seasons in some years and lie in second place in the Ulster Kukri League just two points behind Randalstown. “One slip-up by the league leaders and we’re going to have some end to a great season” says Coach Corny Carr, who would love to see his team in a winner-takes-all game for the title against Randalstown. “Could very well happen!”
The Club host Monaghan RFC in a fortnight’s time at the Holmes, March 3rd and are using the occasion to host a “Former Players and Friends Reunion”. There will be a reception for guests, friends and visitors with slideshows from the club archives and music and recitation following the senior match on the day. So pass on the word and hopefully we see you there on Saturday week.
