JFC C Final: Emphatic Na Fianna performance secures title
September 26, 2016
Na Fianna's Damien Downey
Na Fianna 2-24 Dunsany 0-7
A devastating team performance from Na Fianna's second team secured the Junior C Title in a breezy Pairc Tailteann yesterday afternoon. James McNally's troops dictated the pace and direction of the game from the off and the result was inevitable long before the final whistle sounded.
The scoreboard in the end reflected Na Fianna' s dominance all through this final played on a great Navan surface in front of a good crowd.
Na Fianna started as they would go on all through the game and were 5pts to 1 ahead after 15 mins. Points from Paul Kennedy, Michael Foley, Ciaran Gilna, Damien Downey (free) and a fine effort from corner forward Andy Glynn eased Na Fianna into an early lead with Dunsany's point coming in the fifth minute through Ger O'Neill. Dunsany were struggling to make any impact at this early stage.
In the 16th min a goalmouth scramble involving Andy Glynn and Damien Downey and the Dunsany defense resulted in a Green flag for James McNally's men and this gave Na Fianna a big cushion. Damian Downey getting the final touch after much consultation between the umpires and Referee.
Minutes later there was no debate about Na Fianna's second goal when the electric Padraig Hogan rounded his man and fired low into the corner of the Dunsaney net. Michael Foley, Damian Downey and Paul Kennedy added points to give Na Fianna a 2-8 to 0-2 lead at half time.
A highlight of the first half was the interplay in the Na Fianna forward line which led to many openings.
Na Fianna totally dominated the second-half and added 16 points to their first half tally. Dean Hendricks running from the back caused Dunsany plenty of problems and great interplay from all 6 forwards meant Na Fianna picked of scores at will in the second half. Center forward Foley was central to plenty of these. Na Fianna picked off points in that second-half from Foley (six), Dean Hendrick (three), Damien Downey (two), Padraig Hogan (two), Eoin Downey, Donal Curran and Glen McDonnell all getting on the scoresheet. Na Fianna defense were on top in all areas and were well marshaled by stalwart Tommy Cosgrave and Owen McDonnell.
Na Fianna captain Rob Walsh raises the Mattie Gilsenan Cup at Pairc Tailteann
James McNally's troops had the luxury of missing a penalty near the end when Dunsany goalie Ciaran Flynn, who had a fine game, saved from Foley nine minutes from time.
Credit to Dunsany who kept battling, but were completely out-classed in the end.
So the silverware went to Na Fianna Captain Rob Walsh and back to the Enfield / Baconstown side of the county. Great credit to a magnificent team performance on the day from Goalie Sean Coyle to Corner forward Andy Glynn everyone made an impact. Additional mentions to Owen McDonnell, Tommy Cosgrave, Dean Hendricks, the super accurate Mick Foley, Damian Downey and the dynamic Padraig Hogan in the corner.
It was great to see Shane Barrett with the winning party at the end having played all games but missing out on the final through injury. Speedy recovery to you Shane!
Also huge mention to manager James McNally and his selectors, Willie Davy, Joe Maher, and Dave Killoran. This was a title the club needed to win so it can progress with our second team, and have players graduate to the senior ranks. There was a huge effort put in all year in terms of organization and having to restructure the team with injuries and players lost to the senior team.
Comhghairdeas leis gach duine bainteach. Na Fianna Abu!
Na Fianna - Sean Coyle; Rob Walsh, David Kirby, Owen McDonnell; Evan Mullally, Thomas Cosgrave, Ciaran Gilna (0-1); Dean Hendrick (0-3), Evan Hendrick; Lee Hyland, Michael Foley (0-8 three frees), Damien Downey (1-4 three frees); Padraig Hogan (1-2), Paul Kennedy (0-2), Andrew Glynn (0-1). Subs - Eoin Downey (0-1) for Mullally half-time, Paddy Haslam for E Hendrick 40 mins, Donal Curran (0-1)for Kennedy 45m, Glen McDonnell (0-1) for Glynn and Rob White for O McDonnell both 50m, Josh Devine for Hogan 52m.
Dunsany - Ciaran Flynn; Patrick Dunne, Mark Munnelly, Fionn Maguire; Martin Horan, Paul O'Brien, Jake Harlin (0-3 frees); Karl Duffy, Brian Flaherty; Fareth Rooney, Ger O'Neill (0-1), Danny Thynne (0-1); Christopher Smyth (0-1 free), Andrew Duffy (0-1), Steven Clynch. Subs- Charlie Keena for Rooney 18 mins, Darren Maguire for O'Brien 26m, Gary Leddy for Clynch half-time, Darren Reilly for K Duffy 43m, Darren Brennan for Smyth 45m, Niall Thynne for O'Neill 52m.
Referee - Martin Dawson (St Michael's).
