The Paul Martin Memorial Cup will rest this year by the banks of Lough Erne following Saturday evenings first memorial match between Kinawley from Fermanagh and Donaghmore/Ashbourne. This is the first anniversary of the tragic death of Paul Martin who was a lifetime player and member of Donaghmore/Ashbourne CLG. Kinawley is the home club of Paul's parents Gerry and Catherine and having recently been crowned Intermediate champions they traveled in large numbers for this well attended encounter.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne started brightly using the assistance of a strong breeze effectively. Andrew Tormey opened the scoring on 4 minutes with points from Eric O'Callaghan and Ross Tormey shortly after. Kinawley were attacking in waves and they opened their account on 9 minutes. Eoin Carroll responded with a point 3 minutes later before the first talking point of the game. A penalty was awarded to the home side as Declan Mulvey was fouled off the ball in the square. Carroll duly dispatched to the net to open a nine point gap. At this point the hosts were controlling the encounter and Ian Dowd was continuing his recent good form at the centre of the field. On 18 minutes Donaghmore/Ashbourne were awarded another penalty as Rory McGuire was brought down in the box. This time the Kinawley keeper guessed correctly to deny Carroll his second goal. The ball sprung over the bar following an excellent save. In the following 10 minutes Donaghmore/Ashbourne were guilty of wasted chances and this appeared to spark the Fermanagh side into action. They continued to battle and were rewarded on the stroke of halftime when they found the net. A well worked move up the right wing resulted in the ball shot low past the helpless Padraig Durkan. This was just the tonic the Fermanagh side needed as they headed in for the break.

As the second period got underway it was apparent the momentum had swung in favour of the Northern side. A point from the opening attack for Kinawley was followed with a goal a minute later. A long ball forward was broken down and finished well to the net. Points followed on 33,34 and 35 minutes to put Kinawley ahead. The home side needed a resurgance and they found it in the form of a goal from Andrew Tormey. He levelled the game with a well taken goal on 36 minutes. Points from Ian Dowd and Rory McGuire put the Ashbourne side ahead but Kinawley were using the elements well. It was frantic stuff at this stage as both sides were eager for the win. Eric O'Callaghan edged Donaghmore/Ashbourne ahead again with a brace on 47 and 49 minutes. Ian Dowd was dominating the middle as Padraig Finn and Joey Long were driving forward with every opportunity. The crucial score of the game came on 51 minutes when a longball into Donaghmore/Ashbourne territory deceived the defence. As two attackers bore down on Danny McShane the ball was sent to the net to swing the tie back in the Fermanagh side's favour. Vinny Carton scored a point but Kinawley responded with two for themselves to ensure the victory was theirs.

The Paul Martin Memorial cup was presented to Kinawley Sean Leonard by Gerry Martin.

The player of the game award was presented to Sean Doherty of Kinawley.

The evening continued with fun and entertainment as players and supporters socialised on late.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne; Padraig Durkan; Paul Finglas, Joe Finnegan, Ciaran Finn; Padraig Finn, Martin Lynch, Mark Mulvey; Ian Dowd (0-1), Eric O’Callaghan (1-2), Andrew Tormey (1-1), Rory McGuire (0-1), Declan Mulvey; Ross Tormey (0-1), Eoin Carroll (1-1), Cathal Regan (0-1).

Subs; Danny McShane for Durkan, John Lynch for R. Tormey, Iarlaith O'Donnell for Finglas, Joey Long for Regan (all 30 mins), Vinny Carton (0-1) for D. Mulvey (44 mins), Matt Finn for M. Mulvey (53 mins), M. Mulvey for Lynch (54 mins) Niall Fitzpatrick for A. Tormey (55 mins).

Friends, Colm Treanor, Brian Martin, Colm Sweeney, Stephen Brennan, Mickey Bligh, Ronan McManus.

Written By Donaghmore / Ashbourne GFC

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