Gaeil Colmcille 0-22 Dunshaughlin 2-4

Dunshaughlin supporters can be forgiven for thinking they had been transported back in time when they arrived in Grangegodden on Thursday May 5th. They could also be forgiven for thinking Dunshaughlin Over 35's had turned up for this B League encounter against Kells. On the night when the mighty reds of Merseyside qualified for the Europa League final, Dunshaughlin travelled to Kells with the bare 15 players.

Where to start? This match was like a reunion of players from the glory days at the turn of the millennium. Formers greats, who are now past their best, lined out one last time. The full forward line resembled The Arch Bar on a Saturday night with former centre back, now full forward, Michael McHale being flanked by former netminder Ronan Gogan and Chairman Neil O'Dwyer. Father of two MarTEN Reilly lined out at centre forward and 42 year old David Tonge supplied the engine for the team in midfield. That engine got old and rusty as the game wore on! Ken McTigue was reliable as ever at full back and if anything is improving with age.

Kells started well with some great scores in the first 15 minutes. However, Dunshaughlin put some good moves together and cut open the Kells defence. David Tonge got on the end of a sweeping move to palm the ball to the net after 10 minutes. Galway native Shane Waldron put in a decent shift in midfield as did Oisin Foley at half back. The away team looked dangerous when they played direct football. Corner forwards Neil O'Dwyer and Ronan Gogan made intelligent, angled runs to create space for McHale. McHale was awkward inside and fumbled numerous balls, but this benefited Dunshaughlin as they were awarded a penalty midway through the half.

It was clearly evident from the 'foul' which led to the penalty that Chairman Neil O'Dwyer has been watching Chinese Olympic Diver Guo Jingjing a lot lately. O'Dwyer got on the end of a ball which McHale failed to hold and his dramatic dive earned top marks according to the referee. The Chairman even winked across to the sideline when the penalty was given. Ken McTigue was summoned up for the penalty from the full back position but he thought his legs wouldn't last the journey so up stepped David Tonge to rifle the ball to the net. Tonge was now on a hatrick.

Half forward Niall Byrne showed a willing attitude throughout the first half. His pace caused problems for Kells at times. Darragh Quinn at corner back tried hard throughout and can be proud of his display. Former netminder Ronan Gogan tried hard at corner forward but was poor throughout. He looked like a fish out of water and management wanted to take him off, even though there was no subs to bring on. Just as well Joan and Oliver bought him gloves and the number 1 jersey when he was younger!

Kells dominated the second half and took some great scores on the run. Andy Smith, in goals for Dunshaughlin, cleared plenty of high balls and can be happy with his clean sheet. Smith fulfilled a boyhood dream as he got to line out alongside Neil O'Dwyer for the first time. It was a day he'll never forget. MarTEN Reilly kicked four frees on the night and missed a couple more. As the match wore on and Kells pulled away, full forward McHale sulked at the lack of decent ball in. He looked for the easy ball over the top on every occasion. Chairman O'Dwyer got involved in scuffle towards the end of the match. When the referee saw it was the Chairman involved he waved on the play.

Things didn't work out for Dunshaughlin, but it wasn't for the want of trying. The fifteen that showed up for the match can be proud of their efforts. It shows loyalty that players came out of retirement for a B League match on a Thursday night. A second team is extremely important for any club. Dunshaughlin will need to get some points on the board in this division as soon as possible.

Dunshaughlin: Andy Smith, Shay Doyle, Ken McTigue, Daragh Quinn, Oisin Foley, Adam Kealy, Tom Boyhan, David Tonge (2-0), Shane Waldon, Niall Byrne, Martin Reilly (0-4), Cillian Dennehy, Ronan Gogan, Michael McHale, Neil O'Dwyer

 

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