Dunshaughlin 0-09
Clonard 0-05

The first of a double header in Trim involved Dunshaughlin's junior team and familiar rivals Clonard in the 3rd round of the JFC with both teams hoping to register their first few points of the campaign.

It was the black and amber who made the better start courtesy of a Martin Reilly free in the first minute with Clonard also managing to get their first score of the game 7 mins later also coming from a placed ball. Playing with the aid of a diagonal breeze Dunshaughlin were wining some good possession but were guilty of missing some scoreable chances but this was about to change with the classy Stephen Ward getting his first score of the match off his trusty left foot that had all the resemblance of a Colm O'Rourke special to have the black and amber leading after 9 mins. Clonard were starting to get their passing game going and were also guilty of not converting some scoreable frees and had it not been for Dunshaughlin's Roanan Gogan who was performing miracles in the Dunshaughlin goals Clonard could very easily have got two goals but did manage to get a point after 12 minutes to level the match. In a very evenly matched game a beautiful catch from Conor Mooney who was making his Junior A debut for Dunshaughlin at right half back resulted in wing forward Danny Geraghty bursting forward with Geraghty doing the sensible thing to put the ball over the bar to leave the black in amber in front by a point as the half came to a close.

Another fine point from Stephen Ward after 34 minutes extended Dunshaughlin's lead but Clonard were to cancel out this Dunshaughlin score a minute later to make this a very interesting second half with all to play for. Another converted free from Martin Reilly while kicking into a strong breeze gave Dunshaughlin some more breathing space with Clonard showing great character to always know when to get a score when they were to raise the white flag 2 minutes later. The game was now in the balance but a James Rattigan point and another score from Cloanard after 45 mins was soon to be cancelled out by the score of the day coming from David McMahon that gave Dunshaughlin great inspiration to kick on from here and make Clonard now have to dig even deeper. A majestic Jaames Rattigan score from his left foot after some great work from Conor Mooney now put daylight between the two teams with that man Rattigan having the final say of the day to point in injury time to leave Dunshaughlin 5 points to the good as the referee blew full time.

This was a heroic performance from Dunshaughlin with Ronan Gogan in goals making some crucial saves at the right times while Paul Walsh and Gary Flanagan gave an exhibition in corner back play. Conor Mooney had a debut he will never forget and looks a real star for the future while Ciaran Hoary played a captains role and got his hands on some vital possession and never panicked when under immense pressure. Denis Kealy playing his first game for the club in almost 2 years lined out today at centre back was a rock and gave great leadership when his team needed it and is a true class act. Danny 'the sibin' Geraghty did not show any signs of being out of the game injured these past few weeks and gave an exhibition on wing forward play and chipped in with a vital score while Martin Reilly worked his socks off and won some great ball for his team.

James Rattigan got some vital scores when his team needed him most and is on course to become club top scorer for the 5th year running.. Brendan Duggan showed well for the ball all afternoon for his team and is no doubt enjoying his new found status as a born again Meath man while Stephen Ward and Davey McMahon were a constant thorn to the Clonard defence with both having a fine day in the black and amber jersey. John mushy Coleman put in a fine shift and worked tirelessly for his team and if ever decides to train god only knows. However my man of the match today has to go to Josh Wall who gave an unbelievable account for himself at full back in a performance that was inspirational and brave all day for his team that former Trim and Meath legendary full back the great Darren Fay would have been proud of.

Dunshauglin - R.Gogan, P.Walsh, J.Wall, G.Flanagan, C.Mooney, D.Kealy, C.Hoary, P.McHale, J.O'Brien, D.Geraghty, M.Reilly, J.Rattigan, B.Duggan, S.Ward, D.McMahon. Subs - J.Coleman for J.O'Brien (black card), S.Duffy for M.Reilly (black card)

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