ACFL Division 1
Tir na nOg 1-15 St Ergnat’s Moneyglass 0-06
Before the game both sides observed a minutes silence for Former Moneyglass player, Jack McCoy who died last week!
Tir na nOg continue to impress in the Division One league and they were not hard pressed to retain their unbeaten record and finish on top at Whitelhilll in their latest assignment, finishing with a winning advantage of 1-15 to 0-06 victory over the visiting Moneyglass.
Having started on a positive mode and dominating in the central zone where Oliver Mc Atamney and his partner Cormac Devlin were to the fore from the outset, the home side troubled the scoreboard attendant on three occasions in the early stages.
Mc Atamney’s graft and endeavour opened the way for Conor Hastings to deliver a 30 metre free between the posts to open account in the 3rd minute and when Aaron McNeilly was similarly accurate from the other side a few minutes later the boys in blue had a two point advantage. The home side continued to call the shots in the early stages and a point from Eamon Og McAllister made in 0-03 to 0-00.
At this stage Moneyglass introduced replacement Sean Boyd and his appearance paid early dividends as he sent Conleth McCann in to open the visitors account with a pointed free and when the lively corner man added another couple the visitors looked in business.
The home side were soon to regain the upper hand however and although the St Ergnat’s chief marksman, McCann raised a further white flag to ensure a personal haul of 0-04 it was the home side who were to finish the last phase in the ascendancy.
Conor Hastings, Aaron McNeilly, and the strong running Ciaran O’ Neill with a super 29th minute finish, all raised whites in the concluding minutes of the half and ensured a merited 0-08 to 0-04 advantage for the home side as the man in charge sounded the half time whistle.
Having concluded business in the opening period on top the Randalstown men continued in such mode in the second portion. Moneyglass have endured personal loss over the last weeks were most likely anticipating better time ahead but it was the home side who were quickly into stride. An early point from Conor Hastings was followed by a goal when Aidan Toland placed Oran McAtamney to apply the finish in the second minute.
The second period was only a few minutes old but despite the tie still being in its infancy the die looked to be cast as Tir na Nog men had earned a 1-09 to 0-04 advantage and they looked on the way to victory.
As the second period progressed the visitors fought hard to get back into contention and a Jamie McLaughlin point hinted at recovery but the home side were quick to reply.
Aaron Mc Neilly and Aidan Toland added points apiece as their visitors added several bye balls to their total and when Kevin Sheerin made it 1-12 to 0-05 with a fine effort, the Whitehill side were ten points ahead 1-12 to 0-05.
St Ergnat’s did add a late score as Damien McErlain fired over but Tir na ng replied with points at the other end to ensure they had extended their unbeaten record with a 1-15 to 0-06 winning verdict.
Tir na nOg: S P Mc Atamney, Brionna Mc Giolla, Ciaran Mc Grellis, Ryan Crilly, Paul Mc Closkey, Ciaran O’ Neill (0-01, Ethan Higgins (0-01), Oliver Mc Atamney (1-00), Cormac Devlin, Aidan Toland (0-02), Eamon og Mc Allister (0-010, Eimead Murray, Conor Hastings (0-03), (Kevin Sheerin ), Aaron Mc Neilly (0-03)
Subs
Christy Sheerin, Daniel Martin, Barry Magee
Moneyglass: Danny Mc Erlain, Callum Mc Stocker, Diarmuid Scullin, Jim Mc Cormick, Conleth Mc Cann (0-05), Paul Duffin, Jamie Mc Laughlin, Connor O’ Kane, Kevin Mc Cann, Eamon Kelly, Shanaghan Duffin, Feargal Duffin, J Mc Neill, D Mc Erlain (0-01), Aidan Mc Erlain
Referee: Paul Burns (St Comgall’s)
