In recent years Oriel have played Donegal once (In the Final in 2017) with Oriel running out easy victors. However going to Donegal would be a much stiffer test then playing on a neutral ground.

Niall Hands rink had a ding-dong battle with PJ Gallagher and could have easily gone either way but in the end the Donegal quartet won 9-8. The same however could not be said about Mat 2 and Mat 3. Johns rink began slowly and were 8 shots down half way through the first half but somehow managed to only lose by 3 in what could have easily been a trimming on another day. Paul Duff’s rink had a crazy match as the scoreline suggest losing 20-11. Every end Paul seemed under pressure and actually looking back did very well to only lose by 9.

Half time Donegal 41-28 Oriel

Oriel is famous these days for having an extremely strong and powerful 2nd half but surely they couldn’t pull off this comeback 13 shots down away from home. The Answer: Oh by God they Can!!!!

Paddy’s rink began quickly by burying Jacks all over the place. Stephens rink, who had an inspired Sean Trainor as 3rd, were also punishing every mistake Donegal made. Gerry was having a close match with John Quinn. After 5 ends the lead had now almost evaporated with Donegal having a 1 shot lead. After 7 ends Oriel had claimed the lead for the first time. Eddie Curran gave Donegal a lifeline by picking up 4 shots in the last 2 ends. Stephen eventually won his game 12-4, Paddy won 11-5. This left Oriel 3 up with 2 ends to go in total both on Gerry v Johns mat. Donegal were holing 4 shots but up-stepped Gerry McCabe to draw right on the jack. This left Oriel 4up last end. With the jack trailed back John Quinn was left a ny-on impossible shot. He fired putting the bowl over the fender for Gerry to win 10-4.

What a comeback from a team that looked dead and buried at half time. But to win the second half by 20 shots was just sensational