OB CONSTRUCTION IFC Round 5
Naomh Éanna 1-24 St Mary’s, Aghoghill 1-19
Report and Photos by Brian Hamill from Pairc Éanna
Naomh Éanna completed their group 2 campaign with a five-point victory over St Mary’s, Aghoghill after a lively and entertaining encounter that saw the hosts withstand a strong second-half challenge from the visitors.
Ahoghill made the brighter start and opened the scoring through Patrick Graham Jnrbefore James O’Connelladded a free to give the visitors an early advantage. Naomh Éanna were grateful to goalkeeper Senan Nagle, who produced two excellent saves during the opening stages to prevent Aghoghill from extending their lead and keep his side firmly in the contest.
The game swung firmly in the hosts’ favour during the second quarter. Stephen O’Connorlanded a superb two-point score before raising a green flag moments later. Further scores from FionnNagle,Odhrán EastwoodZac Kyleand Conor Eastwood helped Naomh Éanna build momentum as their attacking play began to click.
Aghoghill remained in touch thanks to a crucial goal from Diarmuid Graham while Eamon Brady, Tom McGlone and James O’Connell all contributed scores. However, Naomh Éanna closed the half strongly and went in leading 1-14 to 1-8.
The visitors responded impressively after the restart. James O’Connell landed a pair of excellent two-point scores from play, while Daniel O’Neilladded another two-pointer to bring Aghoghill right back into contention. Scores from Ronan Grahamand Daniel O’Neill further reduced the deficit and ensured the game remained very much alive entering the final quarter.
To their credit, Naomh Éanna showed plenty of composure under pressure. Fionn Nagle continued to impress, repeatedly finding space inside, while Odhrán Eastwood kept the scoreboard ticking over from both play and frees. Scores from Padhraig O’Hare and ConorEastwood also helped steady the hosts whenever Aghoghill threatened to close the gap further.
A key moment arrived in the second half when Aghoghill were awarded a penalty. Once again Senan Nagle came to Naomh Éanna’s rescue, producing an outstanding save to deny a certain goal. Although the ball was deflected over the bar and Aghoghill collected a point from the attack, the save preserved Naomh Éanna’s momentum at a crucial stage of the contest.
Both sides looked to their benches during the second half, but Naomh Éanna always seemed capable of finding another score when required. Late points from Odhrán Eastwood and FionnNagle ultimately secured a victory that reflected their greater consistency across the hour.
Although Aghoghill mounted an impressive comeback and finished strongly, Naomh Éanna’s decisive spell before half-time, allied to Senan Nagle’s important interventions at key moments, proved the difference as they closed out a five-point win.
Referee: Fionntán McCotter (Sarsfield’s)
Naomh Éanna scorers
- Fionn Nagle 0-7
- Odhrán Eastwood 0-5
- Stephen O’Connor 1-2 and two two-pointers
- Conor Eastwood 0-2 and one two-pointer
- Padhraig O’Hare 0-1
- Zac Kyle 0-1
St Mary’s, Aghoghill scorers
- James O’Connell 0-5 and two two-pointers
- Diarmaid Graham 1-0
- Daniel O’Neill 0-2 and one two-pointer
- Ronan Graham 0-2
- Eamon Brady 0-1
- Patrick Graham Jnr 0-1
- Tom McGlone 0-1
- Ryan McPeake 0-1
TO VIEW MORE OF BRIAN HAMILL’S PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW