Naomh Fionnbarra 3-9 (18)

Hunterstown Rovers 1-11 (14)

Played in calm, cold conditions Naomh Fionnbarra recorded a good win over Hunterstown Rovers in the 3rd Round of the Paddy Sheelan Cup at Darver on Friday evening.  The Rovers made the brighter start and got the first score but the gradually worked their way into the game.  The Togher men got on the scoresheet via an early goal after a high ball caused confusion in the Hunterstown full back line and full forward Gary Matthews was on hand to finish the ball into the empty net.  A number of points for the Barrs followed as the Hunterstown had no answer to the pressure from the Togher men and their work rate.  

Scorers in the first half included Jack Butterly with 3 classy points, the Osborne brothers Hugh & Conor and Pádraig Butterly all  a well taken effort.  Square man Gary Matthews was on hand again towards the end of the half to fist home a goal over the Hunterstown keeper and pile further misery on the Rovers.  They were only able to muster a single point in reply at the other end as the Finbarrs defence was very solid and managed to break up many Hunterstown attacks.  A good save from Bernard Osborne also kept them at bay.  Half time score:  Naomh Fionnbarra 2-7(13) Hunterstown Rovers 0-2(2)

After what was probably a good dressing down by their manager at half time Hunterstown upped it a gear in the second half and tacked on a number of points  and a goal as the Barrs struggled to regain the momentum from the previous half.  Jack Butterly who was still on fire scored another fine point to add to the lead once again.  This was followed up by another goal for the Finbarrs as that man Gary Matthews scored another goal this time finished with aplomb with the left peg for a hat trick.  He was set up by Jack Butterly who received a quick ball into the full forward line after the midfield and forwards turned over a Hunterstown kick out.  This gave the Togher men the breathing space they needed.  

Hunterstown scored a few more points but couldn't get back on level terms.  Both Bryan Sharkey and Jack Butterly were also unlucky not to score more goals for the Barrs.  Nicholas Butterly rounded off the scoring with a point off the post for the Finbarrs while Bernard Osborne produced another fine save at the other end.  The Barrs were well served by a solid keeper and full back line, a hard running half back line, both midfielders who battled hard throughout along with hard working forwards who kicked some good points.  Star of the show was no other than the hat-trick hero Gary Matthews!  Final score:  Naomh Fionnbarra 3-9(18) Hunterstown Rovers 1-11(14)

Naomh Fionnbarra Team: Bernard Osborne, Hugh McGrane, Kieran Lenihan, Michael McGrane; Bryan Sharkey, Óisín McGee, Pádraig Butterly 0-1; John Doyle, Patrick McGrane; Hugh Osborne 0-2, Conor Osborne 0-1(f), Nicholas Butterly 0-1; Jack Butterly 0-4, Gary Matthews 3-0, Máirtín Murphy.  Subs:  Pádraic Murphy for Máirtín Murphy, Chris McGlynnfor Nicholas Butterly.

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