Blackhall Gaels 0-12
Simonstown 0-9

Blackhall Gaels are back in the Junior C decider after a superb three point win over Simonstown in Ashbourne last night. Last years defeated finalists had to fight to the end to secure the win that takes them to the final in a fortnights time now known to be against St.Pats.

Blackhall can thank an excellent defensive effort that only leaked three points in the second period, paired upfront with impressive performances from Tommy Coyle and Aidan Dalton who accounted for most of the scores. Its unfair to single out individual performances because every starter and indeed the substitutes contributed to the win.

The opening quarter was a lively affair, Simonstown started brightly going two up within the first three minutes. It took the Gaels until the seventh minute to answer when Coyle sent over a free. An impressive 45' edged Simonstown ahead again before Coyle answered with another placed ball on the fifteen minute mark to leave it 3-2 with both team getting a feel for the hard surface and stiff breeze which was blowing towards the town end that the Navan side were attacking.

It was quickly 4-2 as a economical Simonstown side were rarely leaving the scoring zone empty handed. Coyle answered again this time from play and then a monstrous point from John O'Brien had the teams level with the Gaels recycling the ball well and a patient build up seen the big midfielder score from distance. Simonstown were quick to halt any Blackhall momentum with two more scores before Coyle again popped up to finish out the half with another point from play.

Half Time Blackhall 0-5 Simonstown 0-6

Blackhall brought in some fresh legs in the forwards which increased the pace of the game. Coyle hit two more scores inside the third quarter to give Blackhall the lead for the first time and then substitute Sean Rattigan marked his arrival with a well taken score. The Gaels were now 8-6 up and looking to push that lead further. Aidan Dalton did just that when he added his first and now the team in yellow had some breathing space after hitting four unanswered points.

A point on the forty five minute mark settled Simonstown again but a double from Dalton meant the Gaels lead stretched to four points with ten to play. Simonstown pushed for the that goal that would swing the momentum their way but it never came. Blackhalls back lines seemed to absorb everything and even then there was a safe pair of hands in Robbie Butler on the line. The closing minutes were exciting, the teams traded scores again as Simonstown pushed for that goal, another point with time nearly up had the game back to three and all the pressure on Blackhall. Yet it was the Kilcloon/Batterstown men who kept their cool in the closing phases and soaked up everything. John Joyce and Kevin O'Keane making two huge blocks and then in the dying moments the crossbar came to their aid when Simonstown threw everything at Blackhall.

A nail biting finish to an enjoyable game in Ashbourne but its Blackhall who march onto the Final in a fortnights time after a 0-12 to 0-9 victory.

Blackhall Gaels - R. Butler , J.Joyce , M.O'Neill , D.McHugh , K.O'Keane , C.Delany , C.Whitty , M.Ferris , J.O'Brien (0-1), K.McKeon , A.Dalton (0-4), N.Mangan , C.Cummins , M. Crampton , T.Coyle (0-6 3f). Subs: S.Rattigan (0-1), John J Kelly , D.Bambrick , D.Ferris.

Referee: Hugh Whoriskey Tweet

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