Tailteann Shield: Moynalty freeze out Cortown
February 07, 2025
Cortown's Ciaran Keating
Cortown 1-09 Moynalty 1-14
On a bitterly cold Thursday evening, Moynalty began the defence of their Tailteann Shield with a hard fought victory over the side they defeated in the 2024 decider.
Both teams were missing a raft of first team regulars but used the early season competition to blood some new talent.
It was also the first look at the new rules in competitive action at Club level for the loyal supporters in attendance on a crisp night.
The first half was a keenly contested affair with little to choose between the teams. Midfielders Luca Brady and Niall O'Connor exchanged early scores for their respective sides before Davy Rispin cancelled out Ollie Sheridan's placed ball to restore parity after 10 minutes.
Theo Staunton curled over for the hosts but Derek O'Brien's charges levelled through Pauric O'Connor moments later. Despite a brace of Rispin frees, the visitors made their move approaching the break - punishing Cortown for some poor handling errors with Bryan McCormack and Sheridan the beneficiaries.
However Cortown finished the half with a flourish, a Rispin effort was followed with a superb Staunton two-pointer, the only of the game with the final kick of the first period to hand Martin McGovern's men a slender 0-8 to 0-7 half time buffer.
The men in red upped the ante early in the second with Cortown profligate in front of the posts. Jude Gilsenan, McCormack and raiding Goalkeeper Johnny Lynch all on target for last years Junior B runners-up who at this stage, had assumed a vice like grip on proceedings.
The die was long since cast by the time Rispin (free) and Ciaran Keating struck for a late consolation goal to put a fairer look on the scoreboard at the finish.
Credit to Martin Dawson who policed the game well and implemented the new rules well especially without neutral umpires and linesmen. Cortown's next assignment is a trip to Drumconrath next Thursday evening.
Finally, congratulations to Gavin Clarke, Jake Coyne and Conor Smith who all made their adult debuts for the Club!
Cortown: Jack Finnegan; Josh Keating, Barry Canning, Luke Carberry; Micky Costello, Decky Clarke, Charlie Smith; Luca Brady (0-1), Theo Staunton (0-3 one two-point); Ciaran Keating (1-0), Davy Rispin (0-5 four frees), Elliot Reilly; Jake Coyne, Daragh O'Halloran, Jack Henry.
Subs: Gavin Clarke, Stevie Clarke, Conor Mulroe, Anthony Boyle, Conor Smith, Declan Clarke, Markus Watters, Conor Whelan, Ryan Henry.
Referee: Martin Dawson (St Michael's)
