Na Fianna 4-13 Simonstown 3-13

Na Fianna Junior Footballers accounted for Simonstown on Saturday evening in Athboy. Central to this excellent win was the ability of Na Fianna to claim goals, with Mark Slevin helping himself to two.

Na Fianna started quickly, hitting three points in as many minutes. Ronan Byrne was on target while Kean Flynn and Dean Henrick also hit points. Slevin netted his two goals while Pauric Hogan also netted following a goalmouth scramble. Byrne and Brian Queeney finished out the half for Na Fianna with points which left them with a 3-09 to 1-08 half time lead.

Simonstown came back at Na Fianna on the restart, with veteran Mickey Brennan leading their charge. His battle with fellow veteran Tommy Cosgrave was one of the highlights of the game as the two former Senior players drove their teams on. The Navan side hit a succession of points to come within four points. Na Fianna replied with impressive substitute Barry Slevin hitting two points. Simonstown soon hit a goal to which Na Fianna replied with another two points, before Simonstown netted a penalty and their third goal. Again Na Fianna replied with a Paul Kennedy goal and a Jarlath Ennis point and despite late pressure, Na Fianna held on for a deserved win.

Best for Na Fianna were Sean Coyle, Daniel Gleeson, Tommy Cosgrave, Mark Slevin, Ronan Byrne and Kean Flynn.

Na Fianna: Sean Coyle, Jarlath Ennis (0-1), Daniel Gleeson, Stephen Slevin, Sean Coffey, Tommy Cosgrave, Ciaran Holton, Brian Queeney (0-1), Dean Henrick (0-1), Mark Slevin (2-01), Paul Kennedy 1-01, Ronan Byrne (0-3), Pauric Hogan (1-01), Cian Slattery, Kean Flynn (0-1). Subs used: Jack McNally, Barry Slevin, (0-3).

Simonstown Report

Simonstown Gaels 3-13 Na Fianna 4-13

It was a game of two halves for this opening round of the Junior A Championship in Athboy. Simonstown will rue their slow start to the game and the early goals conceded were largely self inflicted. The Gaels conceded the opening goal in the 8 minute which left 5 points between the sides. The Navan men capitulated at the beginning of the half and sloppy handpassing from the back enabled Na Fianna to score the second goal of the match. The score after Simonstown's dismal start was Na Fianna 2-7 Simonstown 0-2. 

Simonstown fought back bravely and were led by the impressive Michael Gavin. Gavin sprinted the length of the pitch and showed great awareness to pick out James Heaney for the Gaels opening goal of the game. Gavin opened his account for the game with a splendid point from distance. Andrew Kearney recorded his first point of the campaign and Alex Brady added to the Gaels score. Simonstown's period of dominance was short lived and Na Fianna got their 3rd goal of the game. The Gaels answered with 3 points before the half time from Michael Gavin, Micky Brennan and Ben Hoey. Score before half time was Simonstown 1-8 and Na Fianna 3-8.

The second half began with a crucial save from Gary Lynch. A goal looked a certainty but for acrobatics of Lynch who tipped the ball past the post for a 45. The Gaels scored from Colin Wickham and Micky Brennan which meant it was just a 5 point game. The comeback looked well and truly on especially when the referee rewarded a penalty in the 46 minute. Ben Hoey dispatched the penalty expertly and the Simonstown contingent roared with delight. Unfortunately Na Fianna responded with a goal and the game ended in a 3 point defear. The Gaels can be happy with the performances of Michael Gavin, Kyle McEvoy, Gary Lynch and Ben Hoey but will be disappointed with their poor start to the game. 

Simonstown: Gary Lynch, Aaron Geraghty, Oisin Lavin Kelly, Barry Fox, Colin Wickham, Kyle McEvoy, Dean Curran, Sean Conlon, Sean T. Gallagher, Michael Gavin, Ben Hoey, Alex Brady, Micky Brennan, James Heaney, Andy Kearney. Subs used: Shane Kavanagh, Robbie Quinn.

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