Fingallians vs Naomh Mearnog Dublin Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 1
Finally the championship has arrived. Expectations were high of an opening away win. It was a warm evening and a close affair was expected by many. The opening exchanges were tense with Diarmuid Keevney registering Naomh Mearnog’s first score of the game. This was quickly followed up by an inspirational score from an acute angle from full forward Mark Phelan. Naomh Mearnog’s blistering start continued with another score from play, this time from corner forward Shane Warren. Midfielder Shane Kavanagh added a few frees before Fingallians got off the mark. Fins quickly added 1-1 leaving the score after 12 minutes Naomh Mearnog 0-9 Fingallians 1-2. At this stage of proceedings Mearnog should have been out of sight. Mark Phelan was causing havoc inside and Fingallians had no answer to his ball winning abilities. The swords based side started getting a grip around the middle third and with 28 minutes of play were only the bare minimum behind. Just before half time the game started to swing completely in Fingallians favor. Liam Mullin was unlucky with a free and Fingallians drew level. Mearnog’s leader in chief, Shane Kavanagh was forced off injured leaving Mearnog’s up against it heading in level at the break 1-6 to 0-9. The intensity of the game went up a level with some severe hits and tackles going in early. It was clear to many, that both teams were laying down a marker of what was to come. It was nip and tuck with Liam Mullin finding the range with a free and Fingallians responding, before Mullin landed a monster score from 70 yards out. A quick puck out was taken which was worked up field with the Fins lads finishing off a fine move. The scoreboard read 1-09 to 12. Liam Mullin was motoring well from midfield and he had a goal chance saved well. Even with 20 minutes of play left it felt as though this could be the game changer. Fingallians soon led by a single point and a short puck from Bobby Smith was seized upon by the Fingallians half forward line. A penalty was awarded and hammered to the back of the net. Another point was added leaving the scoreline 2-11 to 0-12 in favor of Fingallians. In the remaining 10 minutes try as they may the Mearnog boys couldn't find the answers, despite a couple of late scores fingallians had too much craft. However the loss of Shane Kavanagh before half time, along with some poorly executed frees was the ultimate downfall to their chances. Fingallians to their credit were much more industrious in terms of game management, particularly in the second half. The final score read Fingallians 2-16, Naomh Mearnog 0-15. Looking ahead there's still plenty to work for in terms of trying to secure a quarter final spot. Mearnog’s have 2 more home games. Next they face St Judes at home before their final game against St Marks to finish the group phase. Home advantage will be vital in terms of moving forward and with a dash of confidence this team can still have a say in this championship yet. Make every effort to go up and support the lads in the next few weeks.
