In beautiful sunshine on Sunday in Annalee Park, Ballyhaise maintained their unbeaten run in 2014 with a good victory over visitors Cootehill. Kevin Tierney set the tone for the day when he opened the scoring after a surging run from half back. This was quickly followed by points from Pauric Moore and Barry Reilly before John McCutcheon's pointed free got the away side of the mark. Conor Lyons was immense in mid-field, getting great possession and laying it off well. Kevin Tierney and Mark Mullan traded pointed frees before Tierney again pointed from outside the 45 after another long run. Martin Conaty tagged on another for the homeside before Kevin Tierney's pointed 45. John McCutcheon pointed another free for the visitors in what was up to then a fairly lethargic performance. Ballyhaise showed exemplary work rate and team work and Colm Reilly brought us to half time with a superb individual goal after Ryan Carroll's initial save from him.

Goalkeeper Rory Donnellan marshalled his defence with full backs Francie Moore, Fiacra McGoldrick and particularly Mark Brennan outstanding. Sean Fay and Barry Kelly continually probed from the half back line and the visitors had Brian Sherlock black carded in the 20th minute. Ballyhaise led 1-7 to 0-3 at half-time.

Cootehill began the second half with a greater sense of urgency which quickly yielded 1-3 with a Dean Sherlock goal, created by Josh Hayes and points from the same player and John McCutcheon and Mark Mullen. Ballyhaise were reeling by the 10th minute but then began to regain the upper hand. Kevin Tierney reeled off the next four points. Rory Donnellan produced a fine save from Tom Hayes. John McCutcheon had Cootehill's last score from a free before Stephen Smith in his first game back from injury had the final score for Ballyhaise.

Felim Plunkett and his management team will be heartened by the team's workrate. Niall Costello, Martin Conaty and Barry Reilly worked well up front with Paraic Moore particularly dangerous. Barry McCrudden fielded well and gave great support to the afore mentioned Conor Lyons.

Cootehill had good performances from Gerard Argue, Josh Hayes and John McCutcheon while Enda Hession, Damien Sherlock and Tom Hayes tried hard up front.

Teams

Ballyhaise Rory Donnellan Fiacra McGoldrick Mark Brennan Francis Moore Sean Fay Kevin Tierney (0-8) Barry Kelly Conor Lyons Barry McCrudden Martin Conaty(0-1) Colm Reilly(1-0) Niall Costello Ciaran McGowan Pauric Moore (0-1) Barry Reilly (0-1) Subs used Stephen Smith (0-1) Shane McKiernan Don Gorby

Cootehill Ryan Carroll Niall McCluskey Barry McGahan Gerard Argue Sean O Connor Joshua Hayes Dean Connolly John McCutcheon (0-4) Brian Sherlock Enda Hession Ryan O Reilly Damien Sherlock (1-1) Mark Mullen (0-2) Tom Hayes Glen Nulty Sub Niall McMullen

Referee Martin Sexton Tweet

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