IHC: Na Fianna have that extra bit

September 17, 2017

Na Fianna's Noel O'Sullivan with Thomas Nugent Kilskyre Moylagh during the Meath IHC semi final at Lomans Park Trim.

Na Fianna needed extra time to see off the challenge of Kilskyre Moylagh in this very entertaining Meath Intermediate Hurling Championship semi final played in perfect conditions at Lomans Park Trim.

Na Fianna 2-19 Kilskyre Moylagh 2-17

The combination side made all the early running. Three pointed frees from Joe Melia and one from Paddy Gilsenan had them 0-4 to 0-1 up after 15 minutes. Melia (2) and Gilsenan added to the Kilskyre Moylagh tally before the break as they went in 0-7 to 0-6 in front. Barry Slevin hit three of those Na Fianna points while Seanie Martin, Mark Slevin and Jonathan mcCloskey also got on the score sheet.

Pat O'Halloran introduced David Kirby to the Na Fianna full forward line for the start of the second half and the veteran had matters level after a cagey opening five minutes. Kilskyre Moylagh also introduced a sub, Jack Tunney, who made a significant contribution to his teams total. Tunney pointed with his first touch and soon after got the opening goal of the game. 

The teams were back level again midway through the half, 1-9 each, when Diarmuid Bailey found the Kilskyre Moylagh net. Three further points from Melia was matched with two from Barry Slevin and another from Kirby as the teams went back to the dressing rooms one more level 1-12 each at full time.

The teams were still level 1-15 each at half time in extra time.

There was a frantic start to the last ten minutes. Tunney got Kilskyre Moylagh's second goal and before the large North Meath following had finished cheering Will Flynn had the ball in their net at the other end. Barry Slevin (2) and Flynn opened a two point gap as the game entered its final minutes. Melia narrowed that from a free but county minor Seanie Martin put this very entertaining game of hurling to bed with the last score of the game.

Na Fianna will meet Navan O'Mahonys in the final.


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