Murphy is the star as Glenswilly triumph

Glenswilly 1-8 St Michael's 0-9:MICHAEL MURPHY was the star of the show as Glenswilly lifted their first ever county title, defeating St Michael's in the final in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

The man of the match hit 1-7 of his side’s total in a sparkling display, showing all his talent as a full-forward. His goal 11 minutes into the second half was worth the entrance money alone. He fielded a high ball behind the full-back, turned and fired to the net in one movement.

The goal put Glenswilly two up, and even though Christy Toye hauled St Michael’s back with two good points, Murphy sealed the win with three points in the final ten minutes for the winners.

The large attendance of over 6,500 were treated to a an opening 30 minutes that was below average, with the sides sharing eight points.

Glenswilly, only in their second ever final, were much better in the opening quarter with Murphy winning and pointing two frees as they led 0-4 to 0-1 at one stage.

St Michael’s hit back with Colm McFadden getting into his stride, hitting two points to leave the sides level at 0-4 each at the break.

In the second half Murphy went on to steal the show, while Christy Toye did all that was humanly possible to keep St Michael’s in the race.

The modest Murphy shrugged off any personal praise at the final whistle. “I was just in the right place at the right time. I caught a great high ball from Joe Gibbons and turned and fired. Some times they go in and some times they don’t,” he said.

GLENSWILLY: P O’Donnell; R McDaid, E Ward, R Crawford; J Gibbons, JP McDaid (0-1), B McDaid; G McFadden, N Gallagher; K McFadden, C Bonner, C Kelly; D McGinley, M Murphy (1-7, 0-3 frees, 0-1 45), L Kelly. Subs: B Farrelly for C Bonner (h-t), M McGinley for D McGinley (42 mins), C Bonner for C Kelly, J McFadden for L Kelly (both 46 mins), G McGrenra for K McFadden (56 mins).

ST MICHAEL’S: C Gallagher; B Rodden, S Doak, S Black; P Witherow, M McGinley, M Gallagher; C Gallagher, M McElhinney (0-1); D McLaughlin (0-1), A McFadden, C Toye (0-3); C A McFadden (0-3, 0-1 free), B McLaughlin, R McLaughlin. Subs: A Kelly for Black (41 mins), S Coyle (0-1, free) for C Gallagher (56 mins).