50 YEARS to the day from his father lost the Donegal SFC final, Leo McLoone inspired Naomh Conaill to their third county title.
On this day in 1965, Leo McLoone senior captained Glenties into the final, but they lost 1-11 to 0-10 against St Joseph’s, the first of seven titles won by the Bundoran-Ballyshannon amalgamation.
This afternoon, ‘Wee Leo’ provided the inspiration with a Man-of-the-Match display as Naomh Conaill turned the tables on St Eunan’s.
“Their hurt makes us appreciate getting this Cup,” McLoone junior said after collecting Dr Maguire from the Donegal County Chairman, Sean Dunnion.
Picture caption: Naomh Conaill captain Leo McLoone raises the Dr Maguire Cup. Picture courtesy of Evan Logan.
“Those men fought hard and didn’t get it. They’re still sore over it. That makes us really appreciate getting three in ten years. I’m thankful to be lifting it as he didn’t get a chance.”
Ten years ago, McLoone came on, aged just 16, in the county final when Naomh Conaill drew with St Eunan’s and was an unused sub in the replay won by the Glenties team.
Today’s was their third glorious hour and this, along with ’05, neatly sandwiches their success of 2010.
“Championships aren’t easy come by,” McLoone said.
“It’s been a great decade. Some people say that we’ve underachieved, but I don’t think so when you think that three in ten years isn’t bad. I’ll treasure the three medals and it’s a great feeling.”
Listen to the full interview below …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/leo-mcloone-after-naomh-conaill-win-donegal-sfc-title
