St Colm’s Draperstown face Fermanagh champions St Joseph’s Enniskillen on Friday morning (11am) at Garvaghey in the semi final of this season’s McDevitt Cup. The prize is a final spot against competition favourites Dean Maguirc Carrickmore.
In the early part of the season, in the Derry U14 grade, St Colm’s had group wins over St Mary’s Limavady, St Mary’s Clady, St Patrick’s Dungiven, St Paul’s Kilrea and a draw against a very strong St Patrick’s and Brigid’s Claudy team.
In the Derry semi final Draperstown convincingly defeated St Paul’s Kilrea to setup a rematch with Claudy in the Derry final.
The final was played at Kevin Lynch’s Park and goals from Martin Mackle (2), Gavin Donnelly and Ronan McKenna put them in a winning position but St Colm’s had to play against the win in the second half.
After the break the St Colm’s defence simply shut up shop and to a man were excellent and ensured victory. This completed the U14 and U16 double for the first time in the school’s history.
Over the Christmas break the St Colm’s lads kept their preparations ticking over ahead of the Ulster campaign and the first game against Carndonagh.
Draperstown were deserving 2-9 to 3-4 winners against the Donegal school and the victory will have gave them every confidence going into Friday’s game.
Heron explains. “The Carndonagh game was our toughest game and will really stand to us. Some players really stood up second half and pulled us through.”
“They were a very big physical team but our players stood up to the challenge. Conor Shiels was exceptional from start to finish.”
“Gavin Donnelly, Ronan McKenna and Aodhan O’Hagan showed great leadership in the second half which will be needed for the entire Semi Final. Jamie Murray at full forward has been in great form and proving to be an excellent focal point for the attack.”
The team consists of predominately of players from Ballinascreen and Desertmartin clubs. Reece McGuigan is a key performer in goals with Jack Heron likely to be handed the key man marking job in the full back line.
Centre back Aodhan O’Hagan is strong on the ball and directs operations at the back with his ability to smell danger.
Ronan McKenna is having a great season at midfield and has been chipping in with scores regularly.
Playmaker and captain Gavin Donnelly makes them tick up front and teams up with his Desertmartin club mate Martin Mackle who can carry the ball well and take on the opposition.
Also in the forward line is full forward Jamie Murray who is the fulcrum of the attack, winning ball and bring others into the attack, players like Jack Conway.
Heron confirmed there are ‘no injuries’ and everyone is available for Friday. There is strength and depth in the panel with Enda McKee, Eoin McCallion and others pushing for places as St Colm’s aim to reach the decider.
St Colm’s Draperstown Panel: Gavin Donnelly (captain), Lee Colville, Kyle Kelly, Joe Heron, Oisin Campbell, Ronan McKenna, Micheál Murray, Conor Kelly, Jamie Murray, Jack Conway, Ronan McWilliams, Ethan McGuigan, Michael McGurk, Reece McGuigan, John Glass, Aodhan O’Hagan, Cathir Doyle, Eoin McCallion, Sean Kelly, Declan Grant, Martin Mackle, Ronan McCrystal, Mark McGeehan, Caolan Donnelly, Aodan McCallion, Conor Shiels, Ryan McElhennon, Marc McCullagh, Enda McKee, Michael Bradley, Logan McCullagh.
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