Dunshaughlin 2-11
Kilmainhamwood 1-11

A left at the Silver Tankard followed by a series of hairpin bends with the destination being Cortown was the venue as Dunshaughlin's Junior A team had their first outing of the year against North Meath rivals Kilmainhamwood.

Thankfully Father J Kerrane's prayers in vigil mass on Saturday night in Dunshaughlin did not go unheard as club top scorer Jaames Rattigan was passed fit to play and lined out top of the left. Dunshaughlin started the game all business and raised off to a 2 point lead thanks to Niall Kelly and Shane Gallogly but things could have been a lot different had it not being for the brilliance of Stephen Clusker who pulled off a top draw save after 8 minutes of play to deny 'the wood' a certain goal. Another free from at least 70 yards from who else only Niall Kelly and a fine score from James Rattigan had Dunshaughlin four points to the good before Kilmainhamwood got their first score of the game with the white flag being raised for them after 13 minutes.

Kilmainhamwood were probably guilty of some persistent fowling further out the pitch but Niall 'sweets' Kelly was in one his moods today with the Dawson St stockbroker who has links that involve matters of the heart with Kilmainhamwood again raising the white flag for Dunshaughlin in the 14th and 20th minute of the game to leave the black and amber good value for their lead. Both sides were guilty of some wasteful possession but thankfully for Dunshaughlin on the 26th minute the ball broke to Jaames Rattigan who coolly found the back of the Kilmainhamwood net after some good work from dangerous Dan Ormsby, Diarmuid Christine and Niall Byrne.

In fairness to 'the wood' they responded well to score two points from play after this with Ray smoothie McGee getting in on act. Dunshaughlin though were now starting to get their hands of some good possession with Ciaran Clusker having a fine game at the back and big Jack Crimmons was starting to dominate around the centre so it came as no surprise when that man Rattigan was at hand again to score two more points with the help of David Dunne making a fine catch in his own square as Dunshaughlin went in leading by 6 points at the break.

Niall Kelly started the second half exactly as he left off with yet another converted free but Kilmainhamwood responded in fine fashion with three scores on the trot to leave Dunshaughlin plenty of food for though after 40 minutes of play. Player manager Martin Reilly was enjoying a fine duel at the end of the square with Kilmainhamwood full back Stephen Smith but it was the former Dublin minor Reilly who broke Kilmainhamwood hearts on the 41st minute of the game with a Kevin McMenamin like finish into the roof of the wood net that now once again had the momentum back with the men from South Meath. Complacency seemed to set in for Dunshaughlin though after Reillys goal and along with a missed penalty from Dunshaughlin this seemed to be the wake up call Kilmainhamwood needed with them scoring 4 points in a row to have this game in the balance.

A beautifully struck 45 from Diarmuid Christie got Dunshaughlin scoring again but a Kilmainhamwood goal on the 26th minute meant that there was now only 3 points between the teams. Thankfully for Dunshaughlin they seen the game out and ran out three point winners and a lot of positives can be taken from their first championship game of the season. Ciaran 'the hulk' Clusker was outstanding at corner back white the century man Kenny McTigue showed great composure and experience at times to steady the ship.

Niall Kelly's left foot is a serious weapon for any team to have and he have an exhibition on the art of long distance free taking while big Jack Crimmons got his hands on some good possession in the middle of the fiddle. Dermot Christie will be proud of his efforts and was full of energy while Jaames Rattigan once again will have the annual Lawless's 'black tie only' affair golden boot award presented to him by club ambassador Gabriel Donnelly to look forward to with an impressive 1-03.

Dunshaughlin - S. Clusker, D. Dunne, K. McTigue, C. Clusker, O. Foley, N. Kelly(0-05), D. Ormsby(0-01), J. Crimmons, L. Ormsby, S. Gallogly(0-01), P. McHale, D. Christie(0-01), N. Byrne, M. Reilly(1-00), J. Rattigan(1-03)
Suns - R. Geraghty for P. McHale Tweet

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