Blackhall Gaels 1-3
St. Colmcilles 3-15

Blackhall finished out their B League Division 2 commitments with an away fixture to relegation troubled St.Colmcilles on Monday evening.

Veteran selector Jimmy Leddys (who had sought the use of a pair of golf shoes) blushes were spared when midfielder Michael Solan appeared at the throw in to give Blackhall the full compliment of players. A depleted Gaels side lined out with the bare fifteen but from the outset it was one way traffic as the Cilles played well with the wind advantage.

The Gaels settled well in the second quarter when Paddy Connell raised the green flag, the wing forward blasted to the top corner after some good work out the field. With the Cilles leading well 2-3 to 1-0 Blackhall were forced to carry the ball up the field as the strong breeze in Pilltown meant the long was not an option. Niall Kelly added a point shortly after to give Blackhall some momentum as the half time whistle drew close. Young Robert McGuinness on his debut popped over one of the points of the game when he turned his man inside out to score from distance. Blackhall would finish the half with 1-3 the scorer of which is disputed but an eyewitness claims it was the number 13 Kieran Devaney so it can be sure it was a fine effort.

Half Time St.Colmcilles 3-5 Blackhall Gaels 1-3

Although it was a game with little relevance to Blackhall in terms of their league standings it was by no means over at the half time with the Gaels only trailing by eight points but the home side made sure they would maintain their distance with a solid display in the second half. Blackhall, who never gave up the fight were unlucky in front of goal hitting the woodwork twice in the second period but the credit must go to St.Colmcilles who survive in Division 2 following an impressive performance. Blackhall can take some positives from the game with many under 21's getting some much needed football in the run up to their campaign as well as their first taste of adult football.

Final score in Pilltown St.Colmcilles 3-15 Blackhall Gaels 1-3

Blackhall Gaels - R.Butler , J.Joyce , K.Coyle , C.Callanan , P.Kelly , D.Ferris , J.Kelly , C.Giblin , N.Kelly (0-1), P.Connell (1-0), S.McGuinness , M.Solan , K.Devaney (0-1), T.Coyle , R.McGuinness(0-1). Subs - Martin O'Neill, Michael O'Neill

Referee: John O'Byrne Tweet

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