Blackhall Gaels 1-13
Donaghmore Ashbourne 2-8

This evening saw a fierce clash in the first round of the Coca-Cola Intermediate Championship between two strong and determined teams, Blackhall Gaels and Donaghmore Ashbourne, in Ashbourne.

The home team looked to be stronger in the first half, leading at the break 2-3 to 0-3. However, an exhilarating second half saw both teams enjoy periods of dominance, with Blackhall eventually winning by two points.

The first half went mainly in Donaghmore Ashbourne's favour, with two early goals (one a well taken penalty) as their first scores. Not satisfied to rest on that, they added three more points. Blackhall kept their spirits up, and made their presence felt by scoring three points of their own. Despite their best efforts though, they couldn't take away their opponent's two-goal cushion.

Truly, this was a game of two halves. Both teams looked rejuvenated after the half-time break, and came out with added determination. It seemed that, no sooner had one side scored, than the other went and got their own at the far end. There was a gradual shift in fortunes in favour of the visitors, and slowly but surely the tide began to turn. This was helped by good tactical decisions, in particular moving Sinead O'Sullivan back as a sweeper. That six-point deficit began to shrink until there was just the smallest of margins between the sides. Then, the moment every Blackhall player and supporter had been hoping for; the goal. The recently returned (and much missed) Sarah O'Donnell skilfully sent the ball into the back of the net with a well-placed long kick. Donaghmore Ashbourne fought hard to regain their lead, scoring a point to narrow the margin, but Ann Murphy finished off the game nicely with a hard-fought point, resulting in a two-point victory for the visitors.

This was without a doubt a powerful team performance. For Blackhall it was a day of old faces and new. They welcomed Katie Flattery to her first adult championship match, and welcomed back well-known faces such as Sarah O'Donnell, Kate Murphy, Helen Murphy, Fran Nolan and Caroline Griffin. To single out just a few players when everybody brought something to the team doesn't seem fair. However, special mention must be given to the backs, who withstood fierce assault from the Donaghmore Ashbourne attackers from start to finish. The midfield duo fought for everything and showed great leadership. The forwards grew into the game, really bursting to life in the second half. This was a classic championship match, and hopefully is the first of many this summer. #CocaColaClubChamp15

Blackhall: 1. Sabrina Kelly 2. Claire Burke 3. Michelle Dalton 4. Emer Keane 5. Grainne Ryan 6. Kate Murphy 7. Leona Nestor 8. Paula Dunne (c) 9. Sue McCormack 10. Helen Murphy (0-1) 11. Lisa Kelly (0-6) 12. Ann Murphy (0-2) 13. Katie Flattery (0-1) 14. Sarah O'Donnell (1-3) 15. Sinead O'Sullivan. Blackhall Subs: 16. Michelle Breen 17. Rose O'Donnell 18. Aileen Coyle 19. Catherine Quinn 20. Fran Nolan (0-1) (replaced Katie Flattery) 21. Caroline Griffin 22. Aideen Nolan 23. Aisling Maye 24. Áine Maye 25. Emma Nestor

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