Buncrana footballer sent off twice – but both teams win!

IT WAS A BITTERSWEET day yesterday for one Buncrana footballer who was sent off TWICE – but saw both his teams win.

Garbhan Friel was dismissed while playing for both Institute in their 3-1 win over Donegal Celtic and for the Buncrana senior Gaelic football side in their 3-13 to 2-10 triumph against Red Hughs.

Striker Friel, who signed for ‘Stute in the summer from Finn Harps, played his part as Kevin Deery’s side scored a much-needed win over basement side Donegal Celtic in the Northern Ireland Football League Championship at The Riverside Stadium.

Stephen O’Donnell, Ciaron Harkin and Aaron Harkin hit the goals for Deery’s men.

Institute – who had St Johnston duo Michael Lynch and Shane McGinty in their line-up – finished with nine men as Robbie Hume and Friel were shown straight red cards late in the game.

Friel subsequently lined out for Buncrana at The Scarvey in an All-County Football League Division 3 game against Red Hughs.

Buncrana’s 3-13 to 2-10 win sends Red Hughs to Division 4.

But the evening ended sourly for Friel, who was shown a second yellow card by referee Michael Mulhern and also a second red of the day.