Na Fianna 1-10
Blackhall Gaels 0-12

Na Fianna senior footballers got off to a winning start in their first 2015 championship outing last Saturday evening against Blackhall Gaels.The game took place at a sunny but windy Summerhill venue.

The Na Fianna men survived a very close last quarter when Blackhall got a number of unanswered scores to level the game.

Na Fianna had the wind advantage in the first half and started brightly with scores from Jamie Queeney, Barry Clancy and Shane Barrett. Blackhall responded with a number of scores to reduce the deficit.

Then a vital score for Na Fianna. A goal from a super Shane Barrett finish gave the Na Fianna men some breathing space. Dalton Mcdonagh pointed also to leave the half time score NA Fianna 1-4 Blackhall 0-4

Na Fianna started the second half strongly with 3 unanswered points, but Blackhall refused to go away. They staged a big rally in the second half and were just 2 points behind on the 47th minute 1-7 to 8 pts.

Na Fianna responded with a fine pint by James Gegan after a tremendous run up field by Conor Downey from wing back. Both teams traded scores with Shane Barrett firing over again for Na Fianna. The teams were level with time just up, when up popped Conor Downey to curl over the winning score from the right wing after intense Na Fianna pressure. When the final whistle blew it was the Na Fianna men who edged it.

Both teams will take positives from this game whilst realising that they both have room for improvements in the games ahead. Best for Na Fianna were Shane Barrett who's scores were crucial, Conor Downey, Johnny Baldwin, Jamie Queeney, and Barry Clancy.

Na Fianna Scorers: S Barrett 1-3; Jamie Queeney 0-2; B Clancy 0-1; D McDonagh 0-1;J.Gegan 0-1;Dan Queeney0-1;Conor Downey 0-1

Na Fianna: Shane Geraghty; Johnny Baldwin ;Christy Cosgrave;Damian Downey,Dean Hendrick; Anthony Neary ,Conor Downey Dan Queeney, Brian Queeney,Andy Glynn, Dalton Mcdonagh, Jamie Queeney, Barry Clancy, Dean Barrett, Shane Barrett
 

Blackhall Gaels 0-12
Na Fianna 1-10
                    
The Blackhall seniors began their championship campaign on Saturday evening in a sunny Summerhill.

The large crowd were preparing for a tough, physical match and that is exactly what they got. The men started well with a serious amount of possession, unfortunately it was Na Fianna who were first to score. Na Fianna went 3-0 up before Johnny Myler, in his typical fashion, caught a high ball and slotted it over the bar. Blackhall kicked into gear after that and fought the Na Fianna lead. However, Na Fainna held firm and kept two ahead until a work of magic saw them jump five ahead with a goal. Blackhall's Sean Whelan, usually a high scorer busied himself around the entire field  getting involved in numerous plays and intercepting and dispossessing all 'round him. Na Fianna began running on subs just before half time and Blackhall punished some mistakes. At the break the Gaels trialed 1-4 to 0-4, with the breeze to look forward to.

At the reset, Na Fianna ran riot. Blackhall looked to be losing control with some sloppy passes and silly mistakes. That is until Donnacha Tobin stepped up and scored a great point from a handpass. Tobin was a terror in midfield, and really lifted the team when it was asked of him. A few Tadgh Brosnan frees and a Stephen Morris point kept Blackhall in touch, but the goal was Na Fianna's comfort blanket. Finally, inside the last ten minutes Blackhall manged to close the gap to two, then one, then level! The Blackhall fans started to hope, as the lads went on the attack one more time. Unfortunately, it was not to be and Na Fianna got possession back and scored again. Na Fianna took the spoils on the day with a final score of 1-10 to 0-12. An unfortunate loss for the Gaels, but the team and management have a lot of positives to take from the game. Blackhall now have a quick turn as they play Walterstown next Saturday at 7:30 in Skryne.

Blackhall Gaels -  Tommy Dalton , Michael Whelan , Colm Mc Elligott , Daniel Carty , John Kelly , Dan O'Neill , Alan Nestor , Paddy O'Brien , Donnacha Tobin (0-1), Stephen Morris (0-3), Sean Whelan (0-1), Tom Murphy , Paul Kelly, Johnny Myler (0-1), Tadgh Brosnan. Subs: (0-6 (3F)), Dermot Carty , Kevin O'Keane, Mark Ferris 

Referee: Joey Curley (Moynalty)

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