| Dunshaughlin 0-9 Blackhall Gaels 1-10 |
Report:
When the draw for the Senior Championship was made it was thought that this Group A encounter between Dunshaughlin and Blackhall Gaels might be the tie of the round. But results dictated that only local bragging rights were at stake in this dead rubber game.
The game was played in Summerhill where the combination of the wet underfoot and long grass made conditions very difficult for both sets of players. The first half provided little in terms of quality fare but the second half did provide a degree of entertainment for the select crowd in attendance.
Blackhall opened the scoring after three minutes but two points from Cathal O'Dwyer put the Black and Ambers in front after eight minutes. Two points within a minute from the Gaels reversed matters by the 13th minute only for Niall Kelly to point a free to level matters at the end of the first quarter. The exchanges became niggly in the second quarter with the scoreboard changing on only three occasions. The Batterstown/Kilcloon side went two points in front but Tadgh O'Dushlaine pulled one back for Dunshaughlin following a clever cross field pass from David Crimmins. Just before half time however Dunshaughlin suffered a setback when Richie Kealy was harshly shown a red card for a second bookable offence.
After the restart when Blackhall restored their two point advantage it looked as though it was curtains for Dunshaughlin. But a point from Conor Devereux in the 38th minute and the introduction of Michael McHale sparked a revival for the 14 man side. Three points in as many minutes from Niall Murphy put his side two points in front by the 42nd minute. Two quick points from Blackhall levelled things and the teams were still level as the game entered the last ten minutes. O'Dwyer had a glimpse of a goal in the 51st minute but good Blackhall defending forced him to settle for a point. A minute later Blackhall scored the major that was always going to prove crucial when they forced in a rebound after Ronan Gogan pulled off a fine save. Despite trying valiantly Dunshaughlin were unable to get back on terms and two points from Blackhall Gaels in injury time proved to be the final action of both sides disappointing Championship campaigns.
Best for Dunshaughlin were Kevin Ward, Ray Maloney, Niall Murphy, Cathal O'Dwyer and Michael McHale
Dunshaughlin - Ronan Gogan, Kevin Ward, Caoimhin King, Mick Ahern, Tommy Johnson, David Crimmins, Tadhg O'Dushlaine (0-1), Ray Maloney, John Crimmins, Conor Devereux (0-1), Niall Kelly (0-1), Richie Kealy, David Devereux, Niall Murphy (0-3), Cathal O'Dwyer (0-3). Substitutes - Michael McHale for David Devereux
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