Dunshaughlin 3-14 Na Fianna 0-13

On a drizzly Saturday evening in Dunshaughlin, a modest crowd braved the wet conditions to watch their side take on Na Fianna in Round 10 of the Division 1 League. With many opting to stay indoors to catch the All-Ireland quarter-finals on TV, those who did attend were treated to a commanding display from the home side.

The opening score went to Gourmet Food Parlour sponsored Dunshaughlin’s Tadgh O’Dushlaine, who slotted over one of his trademark points. Na Fianna responded shortly after, but Dunshaughlin hit back with a pair of well-taken fisted scores from John McDonagh and Ciarán McCarrick ,both breaking through the Na Fianna defence with pace.

Na Fianna added a second point, but the momentum shifted when Niall Byrne’s effort dropped short into the hands of David Fildes, who finished smartly to the net at the car park end. Byrne, showing his usual electric pace, made no mistake moments later with a well-taken point from play to put five between the sides.

Although Na Fianna responded again, Dunshaughlin weren’t slowing down. Niall Byrne and luke mitchell both adding scores to put Dunshaughlin seven ahead .John McDonagh was next in line for a goal chance after cutting through the defence, only to be denied by a strong save from the Na Fianna keeper. The Leshamstown man reacted quickly and the rebound went over the bar for a point, The veteran Tadgh O’Dushlaine turned over a Na Fianna man in midfield and found Luke Mitchell, whose driven shot sailed just over to bring Dunshaughlin to 1-8.

Na Fianna responded with two points before the break, including one from veteran Jamie Queeny, to leave it 1-8 to 0-5 in favour of the hosts at halftime.

Second Half

There was a notable shift in midfield as the second half began, with the return of Charlie O’Connor and adding a real spark. His trademark high fielding delighted the Dunshaughlin fans, allowing Jared Rushe to slot back into his more familiar centre-half back role, with Daryll McKenna making way.

Na Fianna opened the half with a point, but Luke Mitchell responded swiftly, converting a 45 to push Dunshaughlin’s tally to 1-9. Then came the moment that effectively sealed the tie, young Mathew Gallagher latched onto a pass from Adam Hanley and slotted the ball into the back of the Na Fianna net.

Ten minutes into the half, Fursey Blake made his return from travels in Thailand, replacing Hanley and receiving a warm reception.

Na Fianna fought back with a flurry of scores, including two stylish two-pointers from outside the arc to bring their total to 10. But Tadgh O’Dushlaine, ever the leader, responded with his second point of the game to steady the ship.

The dynamic Mathew Gallagher wasn’t finished yet. He struck again with his second goal of the evening, stretching the lead to three clear goals and putting real daylight between the teams. Na Fianna’s Dan Queeny managed to add a third two-pointer, narrowing the gap to seven.

Danny Quinn was then replaced by Alaster Doyle before Dunshaughlin captain Jared Rushe added his near obligatory score, firing confidently over the bar. Ryan Robinson made way for Ben Duggan as fresh legs kept the home momentum going.

McCarrick continued to torment the defence with clever off-the-ball runs, teeing up Mitchell for a point from play. Then came a pivotal moment eagle eyed referee Ciarán Flynn penalised Na Fianna for a 4v3 defensive infringement. Luke Mitchell stepped up and coolly converted a two-pointer from outside the arc, giving Dunshaughlin an 11-point cushion.

With 10 minutes remaining, manager Kevin Kealy rang the change, replacing goal-scoring Mathew Gallagher with Sean Clancy and David Fildes with Lennan McCormack. The final point of the evening went to Na Fianna, but it was too little, too late.

Full Time: Dunshaughlin 3-14, Na Fianna 0-13

Next up for our first men’s team is the round 11 ..... then final Round. As we prepare to take on our neighbours from Dunboyne. The big question: Can we remain unbeaten in the PR Coyne and Sons Division 1 Football League?

Dunshaughlin scorers: Mathew Gallagher 2-0, Luke Mitchell 0-6 (1x2pt), David Fildes 1-0, Tadgh O’Dushlaine 0-2, John McDonagh 0-2, Niall Byrne 0-2, Ciaran McCarrick 0-1, Jared Rushe 0-1

 

 

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