Aodh Rua, Ballyshannon equalled the Donegal record by winning their 12th Donegal senior football title yesterday at sun drenched Ballybofey. The sides were level three times in a pulsating second half, and no more than two points ever separated them until 21-year-old Michael Ward cracked home a vital Eire Aodh Rua goal in the 57th minute.

Ward's final tally of 1-4 proved decisive in a game where 58 frees and seven bookings all impinged on the chances of free-flowing football.

Aodh Rua, who won last year's championship only after an objection to an illegal player, had a burden resting on their shoulders and their victory on the field this year was particularly sweet.

Aodh Rua won with vital contributions from county star John Duffy and player/manager Sylvester Maguire, whose introduction in the second half finally stemmed Naomh Columba's midfield superiority.

The eventual winners led 0-5 to 0-4 at halftime, with former Donegal goalkeeper Gary Walsh making a number of vital saves. Noel Hegarty led Naomh Columba's charge, scoring six points over the hour. He was marvellous in the third quarter but Eire Aodh Rua's slick passing and obvious will to win finally created the goal opportunity and Ward obliged.

Aodh Rua: G Walsh; A McGrath, E O'Donnell, B Boyle; M McGlynn, P McGrath, G Bourke; B Ward (0-1), S Ward; J Duffy (0-2 one free), N McCready, B Roper (01); M Ward (1-4), D Conlon, V Murray (0-3, one free). Subs: C O'Donnell for Conlon, 38 mins; S Maguire for P McGrath, 47 mins; D Buggy for Murray 60.

Naomh Columba: G McGill; H Cunningham, JJ Doherty, C Cunningham; M Cun- ningham (0-1), C Galligan, G Cannon; N Heggarty (0-6, five frees), N McGinley;

S Carr, P Gillespie (0-2), E Gillespie; M Byrne, P Heggarty (0-1), E Doherty (0-1). Sub: N Carr for E Gillespie (57 mins).

Referee: Liam Browne (Four Masters).