Na Fianna 1-10
Rathkenny 1-09

Na Fianna earned a hard fought win over a gallant Rathkenny side in Dunshaughlin on Saturday to set up a quarter final showdown with Simonstown.

Rathkenny were the better team for much of the first half and held a six point lead at one stage. Na Fianna struggled to cope with their pace and intensity but eventually found some rhythm with Dalton McDonagh netting a goal after a pile drover from Shane Barrett rebounded off the crossbar. Na Fianna scored 1-03 towards half time to leave the scores tied at 1-06 each at half time.

Scores were at a premium in the second half as Na Fianna outscored their opponents 0-4 to 0-3. Jamie and Daniel Queeney were accurate from placed balls. A fine defensive display led by Christy Cosgrave, Ailbhe Mahon and John Baldwin broke up numerous attacks while the impressive Barry Slevin narrowly kicked wide when one on one with the goalkeeper. With ten minutes to go Na Fianna trailed by one but a late surge saw them earn the win that guaranteed them second place in the group.

Best for Na Fianna were John Baldwin, Christy Cosgrave, Ollie Lewis, Jamie Queeney, Barry Slevin and Conor Downey.

Na Fianna: Shane Geraghty, John Baldwin, Christy Cosgrave, Anthony Neary, Damien Downey, Tommy Cosgrave, Dean Henrick, Jamie Queeney (0-4), Ollie Lewis, Daniel Queeney (0-4), Conor Downey (0-1), Ailbhe Mahon, Barry Slevin, Dalton McDonagh (1-0), Shane Barrett (0-1). Subs: Evan Henrick, James Geagan.

Rathkenny remain in relegation position

Rathkenny came out the wrong side of this Meath SFC Rd 5 game against Na Fianna played in Dunshaughlin last Saturday evening August 30th

Na Fianna 1-10

Rathkenny 1-09

Rathkenny started brightly and led by five points at the ten minute stage following a Caolach Halligan brace of points and a goal from John Donegan. Thomas Martin added a point to leave it 1-3 to 0-1. Na Fianna added their second point on eleven minutes before Christy Meade extended the lead once more on thirteen minutes. Sub Brian Lenehan added a long range free and Rathkenny seemed in control. However only one further point was added in the remainder of the half as Na Fianna began clawing back the lead as they sent over two in a row. Caolach Halligan got Rathkennys final first half score on twenty three minutes. Na Fianna replied instantly and as half time approached there was four between the teams. Just before the break Na Fianna added 1-1 to go in level 1-6 apiece.

Na Fianna edged in front with a free on 36 minutes before Rathkenny grabbed the lead back with scores from Brian Lenehan and Donal Curtis. Donal then added a further point on 41 minutes and Rathkenny now led by two. However the men in Red and Black failed to register any further scores as Na Fianna popped over points on 42, 54 and 55 minutes to hold on and advance to the quarter finals.

Rathkenny - B. Carolan; Joe Gore, J. Macken, N. Branigan; T. McGuinness, D. Keogan, R. Gore; B. Meade, C. Meade (0-1); C. Halligan (0-3), I. Lenehan, O. Elliott; D. Curtis (0-2), J. Donegan (1-0), T. Martin (0-1)

Subs - B. Lenehan (0-2), Jack Gore for Elliott, K. Timmons for Halligan

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