SFC semi-final: Hurricane 'Colmcille' flattens Na Fianna hopes
September 20, 2020
Gaeil Colmcille's Seamus Mattimoe with Michael Collins and Ethan Devine during the Meath SFC semi final at Pairc Tailteann
A storming second-half showing saw Gaeil Colmcille overcome Na Fianna to secure a SFC final place for the first time since 1991
Gaeil Colmcille ..... 2-15
Na Fianna ............ 0-13
Three points in arrears at the interval. That deficit doubled withln six minutes of resumption as Na Fianna looked a good bet to secure their third final appearance and first since 2015.
Remarkably, from there to the end the Kells-side outscored Na Fianna by 2-9 to 0-1 thereby booking a final date with champions Ratoath.
It was a reward for perseverance for Gaeil Colmcille, who lost four SFC semi-finals and a quarter-final, (after extra time) since regaining senior status..
Seamus Mattimoe's pace and points had a big bearing on the outcome and Brian Hanlon's goal midway through the half levelled matters for the third and final time.
Hanlon '45' restored Gaeil Colmcille's lead , which they held briefly in the opening period. A magnificent Mattimoe pont from play doubled it. Gradually, they extended their advantage with Na Fianna unable to put any brake on their gallop.
Sub Cian Doogan's long delivery set Fionn Reilly up for the game-clinching goal deep in the final quarter.
That ended the flow of scores towards the old swimming pool end before Shane Walsh (free) completed Na Fianna's tally.
Walsh was the standout forward of the first 30 minutes and in the early stages of the second-half.
Gaeil Colmcille took both of their goal chances well while Na Fianna never tested Justin Carry Lynch in the Kells goal.
There was an early rattle for the Kells-men when Jack McNally's strike on goal crashed against the crossbar in the first attack. When possession was recycled Sean Martin pointed Na Fianna in front.
Despite playing against the breeze Gaeil Colmcille were level on seven minutes through Seamus Mattimoe (free).
Matters moved Na Fianna's way with points from Ethan Devine (put through by an exquisite Oisin McCloskey fisted pass) and Martin's second point.
Gaeil Colmcille enjoyed a good spell in the lead-in to the water break, levelling matters at 0-4-each through Mattimoe (free) and Brian Hanlon.
In the 19th minute Gaeil Colmcille hit the front for the first time through another Mattimoe free.
With Shane Walsh to the fore Na Fianna posted five points on the bounce to move four clear by the 26th minute.
Mattimoe (free) pulled one back for Gaeil Colmcille who trailed 0-6 to 0-9 at the break.
Scorers: Gaeil Colmcille - Seamus Mattimoe 0-8 (6fs); Brian Hanlon 1-4 (2fs, 1 45); Fionn Reilly 1-0; Martin Barrett, Liam Ferguson, Evan Sheridan 0-1 each.
Shane Walsh 0-8 (3fs, 1 forward mark); Sean Martin, Ethan Devine 0-2 each. Jamie Queeney 0-1
Gaeil Colmcille - Justin Carry Lynch; Jordan Muldoon, Paul Tormay, James Reilly; Jonny Quigley, Seanie Curran, Fionn Reilly; Liam Ferguson, Oisin Reilly; Evan Sheridan, Keith Reilly, Conall Courtney; Seamus Mattimoe, Martin Barrett, Brian Hanlon. Subs - Barry Smith for K Reilly (34), Adam Muldoon for Curran (36), Ryan Farnham for Sheridan (44), Philly Ward for Hanlon (56), Cian Doogan for Barrett (58).
Na Fianna - Shane Geraghty; Sean Rafferty, Michael Farley, Sean Martin; Jake McCreddin, Oisin McCloskey, Conor Downey; Michael Collins, Daniel Queeney; Owen McDonnell, Luke Kelly, Ethan Devine; Shane Walsh, Jamie Queeney, Jack McNally. Subs - Damien Downey for Collins (45), Evan Henrick for McDonnell (47).
Referee - David Coldrick (Blackhall Gaels)
