A FL Div 1 final: Goals deliver title to Dunshaughlin

October 10, 2015

Niall Murphy beats Donal Lenihan to the ball during the Division 1 FL final.

Two goals in each half boosted Dunshaughlin to a Seamus Connolly Catering A FL Division 1 title win over Dunboyne on Saturday afternoon at Pairc Taitleann

Dunshaughlin  4-9
Dunboyne  0-11

Breeze-assisted Dunboyne were eroding a seven-point third quarter deficit when Dunshaughlin struck for two final quarter goals to wrench the Tommy Mooney Cup from the holders.

The outcome was tangible compensation for Dunshaughlin's four-point loss to Dunboyne in a SFC quarter-final four weeks ago at this venue.

Dunshaughlin owed much to veteran goalkeeper Ronan Gogan who made a number of second-half interceptions to prevent Dunboyne from finding targetman Gerry Gallagher.

Jack Scannell and David Gallagher give chase to Cathal O'Dwyer

Full-back Alastair Doyle made a crucial third quarter intervention at the expense of a 45 to deny Dunboyne a goal. Had Gallagher's 50th minute goal effort beat Gogan just a point would have separated the sides.

Three minutes later wing-back Danny Quinn finished a fine move to the net at the town end and the board read 3-9 to 0-11.

Gogan wasn't finished yet and advanced well to block another Gallagher attempt on goal. Sub Martin Devaney completed the scoring with the fourth goal in the 58th minute.

In the time remaining, Kit Henry was able to empty the bench and use the full quota of substitutes. The outcome ended a disappointing week for Conor O'Donoghue and his men following their SFC semi-final exit at the hands of Navan O'Mahonys six days earlier.

Niall Murphy celebrates scoring Dunshaughlin's opening goal

Dunboyne had the better of the early stages, responding well when Donal Lenihan's opening score were countered by Cathal O'Dwyer's first point from play.

Dunboyne moved 0-3 to 0-1 clear by the 11th minute with scores from Lenihan and Craig Lowndes

The tide turned Dunshaughlin's way in the 12th minute. A sweeping move continued by Trevor Dowd and Shane Gallogly ended with Niall Murphy flicking to the net at the hospital end.

Kit Henry's men were in front for the first time, 1-1 to 0-3. A Gallogly point doubled Dunshaughlin's advantage.

The pendulum swung back Dunboyne's way with Cathal Finn's second point followed by a Stephen Moran score. The teams were tied for the second and final time.

Colin Clarke and Shane Gallogly collide

Dunshaughlin regained the initiative with a goal and a point in quick succession in the 21st minute. A pointed Cathal O'Dwyer free was followed by Fergus Toolan solo goal.

That sustained Dunshaughlin's lead which they took to half-time (2-6 to 0-7) and ultimately to the end.

Dunshaughlin - Ronan Gogan; David Dunne, Alastar Doyle, Fearghal Delaney; Danny Quinn (1-0), Caoimhin King, Tadhg O Dushlaine; John Crimmins, Ray Maloney (0-1); Fergus Toolan (1-0), Trevor Dowd, Ben Duggan (0-1 f); Shane Gallogly (0-3), Niall Murphy (1-0), Cathal O'Dwyer (0-4, 2fs). Subs - Mark Devaney (1-0) for Crimmins (bc 51), Denis Kealy for Dunne (53), Dan Ormsby for Murphy (59), Stephen Duffy for Toolan (60), Ronan Geraghty for O'Dwyer (60), Niall Byrne for Gallogly (60).

Dunboyne - Johnny O'Connor; Gary Timoney, Jack Scannell, Gavin McCoy; Colin Clarke, Cathal Finn (0-2), Conor Doran; David Gallagher, Ben Carolan; Shane Comiskey, Jason Daly (0-1), Craig Lowndes (0-1); David McEntee, Stephen Moran (0-1), Donal Lenihan (C) (0-6,2fs, 1 45). Subs - Gerry Gallagher for Moran (ht), Damien Sweeney for Carolan (36), Ger Robinson for Comiskey (47), Niall Carolan for D McEntee (54).

Referee - Cormac Reilly (St Mary's)


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