Nobber 2 – 10 (16) Carnaross 0 – 14 (14)

Nobber made the short trip across the North Meath countryside to Moynalty on Wednesday evening last to face fellow North Meath side Carnaross in their Division 4 league relegation play-off. A must-win game for the black and ambers to keep their league status intact and avoid a second successive relegation down the league ranks.

The Deesiders parted ways with their previous manager, Derek Walsh, following their last league game of the 2025 campaign. Ex-player Thomas Tierney will now manage the team for the rest of the season. Former players Michael Owens and Darren Lambe continue their duties as part of the backroom team along with Monaghan senior footballer Stephen O’Hanlon.

The opening quarter was eventful, with both sides trading scores and both forward lines looking dangerous. Nobber shooting into the Astroturf pitch end of the ground worked some impressive scores from centre forward Sean Meade, proving too hot to handle for the Carnaross defence. Meade finished a classy goal to the back of the net after taking on several Carnaross defenders to the delight of the Nobber supporters. He followed this up with another couple of points, and full forward Dale Larkin chipped in as well as a great effort by midfielder Conor Owens. The black and ambers held a slight lead going into half-time with another point from Larkin and a great team goal finished by Larkin and assisted by Meade. The Carnaross men kicked three impressive two-pointers, ensuring that the second half was going to be a tight, tense affair for all involved.

Half-time score – Nobber 2 – 5 (11) Carnaross 0 – 9 (9)

A tight, tense affair is certainly what was served up in the second period, with many nail-biting moments throughout for both sets of supporters. The third quarter proved cagey yet exciting, and as the final 15 minutes approached, many spectators may have wondered if the game would go into extra time and possibly penalties. The scoreline read level with Nobber 2 – 7, Carnaross 0 – 13. The youthful midfield duo of Conor Owens and Mark Condra stood up and were counted in the second half. The dynamic duo contributing to all of the black and ambers scores in the second half. Owens kicked some great scores from the wing whilst attacking forward, and Condra was powerful around the middle sector, winning the majority of the ball that was served his way. The Carnaross men were on the hunt for a goal towards the end of the game, but the Nobber defence stood firm and were determined to win the game. Captain Barry Cassidy and the experienced Paul Meade were anchors in defence, helping their team push forward.

Nobber will be happy after winning this game; they will focus on the positives, as well as plenty of things to improve on over the next three weeks, leading into preparing for the championship. The Nobber supporters will be very pleased to see Paul Meade and Mark Condra play such strong, prominent roles for their team on the night. Both players have gone through a lot of pain, hurt, and tremendous struggle with injury in recent years. Others may have walked away and left the sport, but these two men have shown a great attitude and never say die spirit. A great example for younger players within the club.

Now the attention for the Nobber men turns to the championship. The black and ambers face Slane on Tuesday, August 5, in their Junior A first round encounter.

Nobber team – Brendan Heffernan, Tony McEntee, Eanna Fagan, Barry Cassidy ©, Kian Donohoe, Paul Meade, Richie Shields, Conor Owens (0 – 4), Mark Condra (0 – 2) (VC), Gustas Pocevicius, Sean Meade (1 – 2), Niall Farrell, Jamie Duffy, Dale Larkin (1 – 2), Karl Casserly.

Subs used: Gavin Farrelly.

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