FL2: Young Irelands win epic encounter

April 13, 2015

Derek Maguire Young Irelands

Young Irelands find themselves top of the Division 2 table after two games after thanks to a hard fought 3-11 to 3-9 victory over Dundalk rivals, Clan na Gael, in a keenly contested encounter at Pairc Eire Og.

The home side made a blistering start with goals from Johnny Lynch and Kevin Keelan inside the opening ten minutes. However, the Clans were in no mood to let their heads drop and goals from Conall McKeever and Conor Noonan had them trailing by just 2-5 to 2-4 at half time.

The Clans looked to be on course for victory when a second goal from McKeever had them four points clear. However, the dismissal of Conor Noonan turned the game in Young Irelands' favour and a goal from Dean Maguire followed by three Derek Maguire points gave their side victory.

The Finbarrs are hot on the heels of the Young Irelands as they also maintained a 100 per cent record after two games following a 1-11 to 0-9 win over St Brides at Knockbridge.

William Woods and Cathal McKenna were in fine scoring form for their respective sides in what proved to be a closely contested first period. The teams traded scores throughout and after 30 minutes they couldn't be separated at six points apiece.

The Brides had the wind in their backs in the second half but they couldn't take advantage as the Finbarrs remained on terms before a point from Oisin McGee and a Bernard Osborne goal helped give the Finbarrs victory.

St Josephs also moved on to four points after recording a narrow 2-9 to 2-8 win at home to the Oliver Plunketts.

Meanwhile, a strong first half showing saw Cooley Kickhams claim their first win in the Division 2 league as they came out on top against Na Piarsaigh at the Rock Road on a scoreline of 1-17 to 1-6.

Brian White was the star of the show for the peninsula side as he landed five first half points while also palming home the first goal of the game on 14 minutes to send his team in with a commanding 1-10 to 0-2 advantage.

Na Piarsaigh gave themselves hope of a comeback when a Cormac Malone goal on 31 minutes was followed almost immediately by points from Mark Larkin and David Boyle.

However, Cooley steadied the ship and with Conor Rafferty and Patrick Sheelan finding their range they went on to win by 11 points.

Late points from Declan Byrne and Shane McMahon saw St Mochtas clinch their first win of the campaign as they snatched a 1-11 to 1-10 win over Geraldines at Haggardstown.

An eventful first half saw the lead change hands on a number of occasions but Glen Trainor had the final say as his point sent the Gers in leading by 0-7 to 0-6.

The Louth Village side were given a huge boost when confusion in the Gers backline allowed Declan Byrne's free to find the back of the net. However, the home side remained in touch and looked to have secured victory when Michael Rogers found the net to put his side in front. The Mochtas didn't give up and points from Byrne and McMahon gave their side the win.

Hunterstown Rovers secured their first win of Division 2 in Pairc Baile Fiach when they came out on top against Roche Emmets by 2-11 to 0-13.

In an entertaining first half both sides produced some good football and scores with Hunterstown taking a 0-7 to 0-4 lead at the break. Not surprisingly Ryan Burns led the way in terms of scoring once again.

Roche, who were searching for their first win, battled back at the start of the second half but goals from Paul Carrie and Conor Matthews saw them facing an uphill task. With Barry O'Hare and Kevin Callaghan in good form, Roche did score the last five points of the game but it was too late to deny Rovers.


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