Naomh Ultain 3-11

Clann na nGael 1-10

An early burst of scores proved vital for St. Ultan's as they defeated Clann na nGael in the third round of the Junior C championship. The game was played in calm conditions on Saturday evening in Simonstown. The Bohermeen side were severely depleted, bringing a total panel of only 17 to the game. This however, did not impede their quick start, as they raced into a 2-02 to no score lead after ten minutes. First Emmet Costello opened his account with two points from frees and then corner-back Shane Mulroe raced through the Clann na nGael defence before playing the ball across the square to Andrew Barry. Barry made no mistake, firing the ball back across the goalkeeper and into the net.

With Clann na nGael missing chances at the other end of the pitch, Ultan's managed to get another goal before the Athboy/Rath Cairn men got off the mark. Liam Carey won a penalty which was coolly dispatched by Emmet Costello, bringing his total to 1-02 with only 10 minutes played. There was nearly an instant response from the Clann na nGael men who raced through on the Ultan's goal, but goalkeeper Cian Farnan got down smartly to save low at his right hand side. To Clann na nGael's credit the pace of the game never dropped despite the large lead, and three of their four first half points came from play. Ultan's managed to tag on a few more free kicks before half time to keep daylight between the teams, 2-05 to 0-04 the half time score.

The early part of the second half belonged to St. Ultan's. After some excellent defending from Darren Costello and Shane Mulroe, Luke O'Reilly broke up the field and found Emmet Costello who pointed from long range. Conor Rennicks got in on the scoring after a fine individual run up the right wing, and Donal Gavigan opened his account to leave the score 2-08 to 0-04. Much of the rest of the half would see Clann na nGael mount pressure on the Ultan's defence. Jack Murray, engaged in fierce battle with his marker, managed to bring several attacks to an end and Shane Mulroe produced a contender for man of the match performance from corner back. Full-Back Darren Costello had an equally impressive showing, dominating the square ahead of front man Graham Geraghty.

Despite their efforts, Clann na nGael hit five points in a row between free kicks and points from play before Ultan's scored again. The momentum seemed to be swinging in their favour, as Conor Rennicks received a black card and Paddy McLoughlin was forced to return to the fray, having been withdrawn earlier with a muscle tear. However, Emmet Costello led the Ultan's attack once more scoring another tricky free. The Bohermeen/Martry men were then awarded their second penalty of the day, again won by corner-forward Liam Carey. Emmet Costello stepped up again, but this time his effort hit the crossbar. Luck was not against him though, and the ball fell straight back into his hands giving him the chance to notch a goal from play - a chance which he quickly took full advantage of. Clann na nGael made another push towards the end, scoring a nice point and an excellent goal from close range, but the result was not in question. Full time score St. Ultan's 3-11 - 1-10 Clann na nGael.

St. Ultan's: Cian Farnan, Jack Murray, Darren Costello, Shane Mulroe, Conor Martin, Shane Dolan, Conor Rennicks 0-01, Luke O'Reilly, Richie Lynagh, Cian Dolan, Emmet Costello 2-09 (1 pen, 0-07 fs), Andrew Barry 1-00, Paddy McLoughlin, Donal Gavigan 0-01, Liam Carey. Subs used: Niall Galligan for Paddy McLoughlin, Paddy McLoughlin for Conor Rennicks, Tommy Tallon for Donal Gavigan.

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