Football

How the Derrygonnelly players rated in the Ulster final

Shane McGullion closes down Kilcoo's Dylan Ward. Pic Philip Walsh
Shane McGullion closes down Kilcoo's Dylan Ward. Pic Philip Walsh Shane McGullion closes down Kilcoo's Dylan Ward. Pic Philip Walsh

Jonathan McGurn: Saved brilliantly from Jerome Johnston in the second half and had little or no chance with any of the three goals. His short kick-outs caused panic in his defence throughout the game. 5.5

Aaron Jones: Marking Conor Laverty, he found the clever runs of the Kilcoo veteran difficult to blot out but he stuck to his task impressively and kept going until the end. 6.5

Tiarnan Daly: Picked up Ryan Johnston when he came within range of the Derrygonnelly posts. A difficult afternoon swimming against the tide. 6

Michael Jones: Black-carded late on for a frustrated rugby-esque tackle on Jerome Johnston. Can’t be faulted for effort and Kilcoo’s goal-machine didn’t score yesterday. 6

Oisin Smyth: Kept a close eye on Ceilum Doherty but the Kilcoo man prevented him from getting forward and he scored a second half goal himself. 5.5

Declan Cassidy: The spare man in defence at times but lost Daryl Branagan for the first goal. Got forward in the second half and should have scored a point. 5.5

Lee Jones: Played his part in a determined rearguard action from the hard-pressed Derrygonnelly men. 5.5

Stephen McGullion: Had his hands full with Dylan Ward in midfield but he was up for the fight. Pushed into full-forward, his flick on was heading goalwards but was deflected wide. 6

Ryan Jones: Derrygonnelly’s best performer in the final. Got forward for two first half points and put in a tireless shift in the engineroom. 7

Eamon McHugh: Worked hard on the right flank under increasing pressure from a Kilcoo side that dominated possession. 5.5

Garvan Jones: Was able to keep Derrygonnelly’s head above water in the second half. Won ball at midfield and tried to spark a comeback. Kicked a wide. 6

Leigh Jones: Sent one good opportunity wide but spent most of his time inside his own 45 as Derrygonnelly battled to stay afloat. 6

Shane McGullion: A physical presence with an eye for goal but he was held in check by Aaron Branagan throughout the final. 5.5

Conall Jones: Early wide set the tone for his day. Ryan McEvoy had his measure yesterday but Jones kept going and did manage a late free. 5.5

Gary McKenna: Hit the Kilcoo crossbar in the first half. That was the only chance he had as he struggled to break free of the limpet-like marking of Niall Branagan. 5