Neither the Bracks nor Na Fianna had too far to travel on Sunday noon for round 3 of the Senior Championship, as the fantastic facilities in Clonard GFC was the selected location for this local derby.

The game started at a quick pace with Na Fianna getting on the ball immediately with a point from play from Dan Queeney. Their intensity and work rate was made known to the Bracks in the first couple of minutes as they went 4 up before a response. Queeney, McNally and Martin all making their mark. A free from Damien Carroll put the green and gold on the board, but Sean Martin rattled the back of the net for Na Fianna minutes later. Points from Damo and Curry added to the Bracks tally, but Martin got his second goal just before the water break to leave things looking very bleak for the Bracks.

The Bracks needed a quick start after the water break, but it was Devine and Walsh for Na Fianna that added to their tally, giving them a ten point lead and leaving it a very one sided game. Quinner and Curry pulled it back with frees, but likewise Jamie Queeney and Shane Walsh were still causing damage their end. The Bracks needed goals.

The second half started with Na Fianna still the dominant side, but an unbelievable effort by Richie Coffey gave the Bracks the goal they need, Damo added on a point before Gavin Quinn rattled the back of the net. The Bracks were now back to a 3 point game and were in control of possession, breaking ball and momentum was building. A free from Damo closed the gap to two going into the water break as it was all to play for in the final quarter.

Points from Damo and Smullen for Na Fianna had it tight for both sides, but Juicy O’ Connor kicked over the equaliser. A quick short kick out from Na Fianna ended up in the hands of Damo Carroll and aiming for point found the back of the net. The game completely turned around and Bracks now up by three. But the game wasn’t over yet and Na Fianna battled back once more and a high ball in for goal found Jamie Queeney and we were back to a draw game once again. A quick turnaround allowed Sean Kavanagh a chance to put the Bracks ahead again by one, but the man who got the first point of the game took the final free, as Dan Queeney leveled it at 3-11 a piece for the two sides. An unbelievable effort by Ballinabrackey to come back from a 10 point deficit and get the draw, and a great battle from Na Fianna to keep it to a draw. A credit to both sides as good sportsmanship and respect was shown by both teams as the game ended. Fantastic performances from Michael Kearney, Mark and Richie Coffey, Adam O Brien and Damien Carroll for Ballinabrackey.

Congrats to Na Fianna who have qualified from Group B and hopefully the Bracks can do enough to ensure they stay up as they head into the relegation playoffs.

Ballinabrackey: Dean Pluck, Adam O’Brien, Michael Kearney, Stephen Donoghue, Mark Coffey, Derek Flynn, Richie Coffey (1:00), Chris O’Connor (0:01) (0:01m)Erick Clancy, Danny Quinn (0:01p), Sean Coffey, David Carroll, Seamus Curry (0;01, 0:01f),  Damien Carroll (1;03) (0:01f) (0:01-45) Gavin Quinn (1:00)

Subs: Sean Kavanagh (0:01), Barry Thompson, Luke McNamee.

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