Div 1 FL: Good start for Keegan Cup holders

March 17, 2025

Dunshaughlin's Jared Rushe

Dunshaughlin 1-13 Gaeil Colmcille 1-08

On a cool but bright Saturday evening in Dunshaughlin, the home side welcomed Gaeil Colmcille for the opening round of the PR Coyne & Sons Division 1 Football League.

The game began with intensity, as Gourmet Food Parlour sponsored team Dunshaughlin wasted no time stamping their authority on proceedings.

Jared Rushe got the scoreboard ticking early with the opening point of the match, followed swiftly by a well-taken two-pointer from the free-taker Luke Mitchell. The early momentum stayed with the hosts, and eight minutes in, Fursey Blake broke through on goal, only to see his shot denied by the keeper, who could only deflect it over the bar for a point.

Dunshaughlin’s dominance in attack continued, with Luke Mitchell proving clinical from both frees and open play, registering four more points before the 25th minute, the break through moment came when Danny Quinn found the net at the clubhouse end, pushing Dunshaughlin firmly into the driving seat.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Niall Byrne and Mitchell added another point each to extend the lead, while Gaeil Colmcille struggled to break through Dunshaughlin defense, managing only two points in the opening period.

Half-Time Score: Dunshaughlin 1-10 Gaeil Colmcille 0-2

With a commanding lead at the break, Dunshaughlin may have felt they had the game wrapped up, but Gaeil Colmcille had other ideas. Just three minutes into the second half, Dunshaughlin conceded a penalty, and the Kells club's goalkeeper jogged up to take it. He made no mistake, blasting a superb shot into the top corner to give his side a much-needed lifeline.

Gaeil Colmcille’s No. 1 proved to be their main scoring threat, finishing the game with an impressive tally of 1-3. However, Dunshaughlin responded well, with scores from Tadhg Ó Dúshláine, Aaron Murphy, and a free from John McDonagh keeping the scoreboard ticking.

As the game progressed, the Dunshaughlin sideline made changes, introducing Ryan Robinson for Alistair Doyle, Eoghan Leahy for David Fildes, and Ciaran Sheridan for Tadhg Ó Dúshláine.

While the second half lacked the same intensity and excitement as the opening period, Dunshaughlin maintained control to see out a five-point victory, securing an important win in the opening round of the league.

Dunshaughlin scorers: Luke Mitchell 0-7, Danny Quinn 1-0,, Jared Rushe Fursey Blake, Niall Byrne, Tadgh O Dushlaine, Aaron Murphy and John McDonagh 0-1each

Subs Used: Ryan Robinson for Alistair Doyle, Eoghan Leahy for David Fildes, Sean O'Neill for Danny Quinn, Ciaran Sheridan for Tadhg O Dushlaine


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