Dunshaughlin 1-11 Na Fianna 0-14

In what was a dramatic climax to an entertaining game of football, Dunshaughlin nicked a draw with the last kick of this A League encounter played in Enfield on Saturday evening. Trailing by a point as the game entered injury time, Dunshaughlin were awarded a 45. Confusion reigned as to who would kick it. Tommy Johnson was on his hands and knees begging for Tadgh Delaney to be sprung from the bench to kick it. Everyone ignored him.  John Crimmins and Caoimhin King both fancied it, although King didn't fancy the run up from full back.. While the decision was being made, Ben Duggan was in fact, to everyone's surprise, lining up the ball. Tossie O'Rourke couldn't look, Eamon Dunne turned and started walking to the car park, Tipperary video man, Dinny Lloyd stopped recording and took his tripod down. In what was one of those 'You let Dougal do a funeral' moments Duggan timed his run perfectly as a gust of wind blew from the Kilcock direction and guided the ball between the posts. If truth be told, Dunshaughlin were good value for the draw. 

These two sides have had good battles over the past few years and Saturday was no different. It was cat and mouse for the first half. Danny Quinn got Dunshaughlin off the mark with a fine point after some patient build up play. Indiscipline cost Na Fianna as the away team scored 4 frees in the first half. Niall Byrne's pace in the full forward line was causing huge problems for Na Fianna. Half back David Dunne, was unlucky not to net a goal for Dunshaughlin in the first half after an excellent run through the heart of the Na Fianna defence. Dunne is enjoying his time in the half back line. 

Dunshaughlin were guilty of squandering some scoring chances in the second half. Big John Crimmins and Ben Duggan had two particularly bad efforts that ended up nearer the corner flag than the goalposts. Rian Kealy, son of former Keegan Cup winning captain Dermot, entered the fray and had a huge impact on the game. His strength and power on the ball will be a huge asset to Dunshaughlin for many years. Tommy Johnson, who came straight from his gruelling 5 hour shift in work, scored the all-important goal for the away team. In what was an excellent team move, Johnson managed to swing a left leg at the ball as it slithered to the corner of the net. Points followed from Cathal O'Dwyer to draw the side's level as the game neared a close. It looked like Na Fianna had won it when they converted a free but Dunshaughlin were not done. Up stepped Duggan and his friend the wind, to score the equaliser. 

Dunshaughlin: A.Smith, D.Ormsby, C.King, M.Ahern, D.Dunne, N.Murphy, T.Delaney, B.Duggan (0-1), J.Crimmins, D.Quinn (0-1), R.Geraghty, T.Johnson (1-0), N. Byrne, R.Maloney, C.O'Dwyer (0-9).

Na Fianna Report

Na Fianna: 0-14 Dunshaughlin: 1-11

Na Fianna and Dunshaughlin shared the spoils in this AFL Div 1 clash in Enfield on Saturday evening.

Na Fianna shaded the first half exchanges, led by Barry Clancy and Jamie Queeney in the forwards who claimed two points each. Barry Slevin pointed with a long range point with Michael Farley also getting a point.

Na Fianna led by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time.

Na Fianna controlled much of the second half, with Jamie Queeney landing the opening two points. Jack Mcnally was introduced from from the bench and made an immediate impact, pointing from close range while the impressive Barry Clancy hit another five points.

With ten minutes reasoning, Na Fianna led by five points but a goal by Dunshaughlin opened the game up again, and they went on to claim an equaliser in injury time to force the draw.

Na Fianna's best performers were Sean Coyle in goals, John Baldwin, Anthony Neary, Jamie Queeney, Barry Slevin and Barry Clancy.

Na Fianna: Sean Coyle, John Baldwin, Micheal Farley (0-1), Peter Slevin, Owen McDonnell, Anthony Neary, Dean Henrick, Ethan Devine, Michael Collins, Damien Downey, Jamie Queeney (0-4), Lee Hyland, Barry Clancy (0-7,3f), Barry Slevin (0-1), Andrew Glynn. Sub used: Jack McNally (0-1)

 

Tweet

Most Read Stories