JHC final: Trim fall 'Fowl' of O'Mahonys
September 16, 2017
O'Mahony's Conor Fitzpatrick with Neil Cole Trim during the Meath JHC Final at Pairc Tailteann.
Niall Fowler's 60th minute goal secured the JHC title for Navan O'Mahonys with a hard-earned win over Trim at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday
O'Mahonys .......... 2-13
Trim ................... 1-11
The experienced Donal Hogan - who proved to be an influential second-half sub - provided for the assist for Fowler to fire to the net at the old swimming pool to leave four points in it.
Top scorer John Foley completed the scoring with a long range stoppage time free to bring his tally to 1-6 and copper fasten Navan O'Mahonys first title at this level since 2011.
Navan O'Mahonys made their mark in the second quarter to lead by two points at the break. They were never headed subsequently, bur were just a point ahead as the hour ended.
Backboned by experienced campaigners, Trim were in contention for the Tommy Kane Cup until Fowler made his mark.
Joey Toole pitched in with seven points (six frees) while Aaron Winters added a trio of scores from play.
Trim had the better of the third quarter and took some momentum into the final 15 minutes.
O'Mahonys moved four clear courtesy of Andrew Snow. Points from Aaron Winters (two) and Toole saw Trim regain parity before the end of the third quarter.
The scores were tied once more before James Burke and Jarlath Fitzsimons' men settled matters outscoring Trim by 1-3 to 0-1 in the final quarter.
The county ground was graced by a cross breeze. It was dry in the early stages but drizzle settled as the half progress. The sides exchanged points in the opening minute. First, Aaron Winters sent over Trim's sole first-half point from play, within 11 seconds.
Before the opening minute elapsed Conor Fitzpatrick levelled matters.. The first of five Joey Toole first-half points from frees put Trim in front for the second time.
O'Mahonys replied with three on the spin from play. Niall Fowler and Conor Fitzpatrick (two) were the scorers. O'Mahonys' captain Declan Tolster did well to prevent Leighton Massey netting.
Trim regained the lead in the 13th minute when Garreth Griffith goaled with a low show and the board at the opposite end of the ground read 1-3 to 0-5.
The sides were tied for the third time when Foley landed an 18th minute free, 0-6 to 1-3. It was a prelude to a good spell for O'Mahonys that proved central to this success.
Having fallen behind to a Toole (free) in the 20th minute, John Foley led the O'Mahonys' response with points from placed ball. In addition the full-forward expertly netted a penalty awarded for a 21st minute foul on Patrick Leahy.
That left it 1-6 to 1-4. Though Trim got back on terms twice, they didn't lead again. O'Mahonys were 1-8 to 1-6 ahead at the break and kept Trim at back thereafter.
O'Mahonys - Shane Flannery; Andrew Gilmore, Declan Tolster (C), Paddy Dillon; Conor Cullen, Ben McEntaggert, Mikey O'Relly; Peter McLoughlin, Ciaran McGuinness (0-1); Stefan Dineen, Niall Fowler (1-1), Conor Fitzpatrick (0-4); Andrew Snow (0-1), John Foley (1-6, 1-0 pen, 5fs, 1 65), Patrick Leahy. Subs - Donal Hogan for Dineen (36), Nigel Ryan for McLoughlin (43), Sean Smyth for Leahy (50).
Trim - Paul Mullen; Rory McGrath, Darragh Flemming (C), Jamie Lee; Eimhin Lynam, Neil Cole, Jamie Hackett; Shane Downes, Stephen Doyle (0-1); Jack Cottrell, Shane Ashe, Garreth Griffth (1-0); Joey Toole (0-7 6 fs), Leighton Massey, Aaron Winters (0-3). Subs - Patrick Lennon for Cottrell (ht), Niall Murray for Lennon (52), Mark Murray for Hackett (55).
Referee - Sean Gahan (Ratoath)
