Losing start to IFC campaign
Despite producing a textbook first half performance, our IFC opener against Tang in Rosemount last Sunday afternoon ended in a 1-10 to 3-13 defeat.
Tang are many people’s favourites to lift the Peter Geraghty Cup this year, but an upset looked to be on the cards at half-time when we led by 1-7 to 0-7 after playing against a strong breeze. But we couldn’t sustain the effort in the second half as Tang came storming back. Their strong bench helped turn the tide with half-time substitute Shane Coughlan helping himself to 2-1.
We signalled our intent right from the off when Brendan Nannery won the throw-in before sending a long ball into Paul Fennell who was brought down for a penalty. However, we had to be content with a point after Nigel Scally’s spot kick was tipped over.
Tang grabbed the next three points before we hit three of our own per Dean Fitzgerald (two frees) and Scally to lead by 0-4 to 0-3 after nine minutes. When Conor Delaney set up James Finnegan for a well-taken goal at the end of the first quarter, we led by 1-5 to 0-4. Tang rallied again, but two more frees from Fitzgerald and Scally left us in the driving seat at half-time and without a wide to our name.
But Tang showed why they’re plying their trade in Division 1 of the ACFL by dominating the second period. They hit 1-1 within two minutes of the restart to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Despite battling manfully, we had to wait until the 55th minute to register our first score of the second half when a long-range Nigel Scally free bounced over the crossbar. Conor Delaney and James Finnegan added further points, but Tang ran out comprehensive winners in the end.
Our next outing will be against Maryland in a few weeks’ time when a win could put us through to the knockout stages, but a defeat would leave us facing a relegation battle.
Team: Shane Keenan; James Hanlon, James Fox, Aidan Stone; Colin Draper, Warren Maher, Shaun Pidgeon; Darragh Coffey, Nigel Scally; Dean Fitzgerald, David Fennell, James Finnegan; Conor Delaney, Brendan Nannery, Paul Fennell.
Lotto
Last week’s lucky numbers were 10, 12, 23 and 24. Clodagh Reid and Enda Fox were the draw winners. This week’s jackpot is €14,900 with the draw taking place live on Facebook every Tuesday evening.
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