Dunshaughlin 2-11 Summerhill 0-17

Dunshaughlin Senior Football team made the journey to Summerhill for a highly anticipated Division 1 league clash. Despite it being a weekday fixture, the away side was well supported, with a strong Dunshaughlin crowd making the trip. The game was overseen by county chairman Jason Plunkett, who took charge in the middle.

Dunshaughlin opened proceedings with an early chance that tailed just wide, and it was Summerhill who capitalised first, registering two single points and a superb two-pointer to establish early momentum. Dunshaughlin, struggling to find rhythm, kicked a few wides before being awarded a free, which was calmly slotted over by John McDonagh to open their account.

Summerhill’s goalkeeper showcased his talents with a long-range two-pointer off the ground and the homeside followed it up with a single to stretch the lead. However, Dunshaughlin responded through Luke Mitchell, who fired over a fine two-pointer with his right foot to signal Dunshaughlin’s intent.

Evan O’Connor, making his first league start in the corner-forward position (wearing 13), began to grow into the game. He linked well with John McDonagh, who had a goal chance blocked, resulting in a 45. Luke Mitchell confidently stepped up and converted the long-range effort to narrow the gap.

Adam McDonnell pushed Summerhill further ahead with a classy two-pointer, but Dunshaughlin were not finished. A standout moment followed, a flowing team move starting with Mitchell at the halfway line. A sequence involving Sean O’Neill, Adam Hanley, and Evan O’Connor saw the ball worked cleverly to Tadhg Ó Dushlaine, who took his chance well and pointed to keep Dunshaughlin within reach.

Summerhill, however, had the final say of the half, scoring again before the whistle to give themselves a healthy advantage going into the break.

Half-Time Score: Summerhill 0-10 | Dunshaughlin 0-5

Summerhill came out firing, quickly adding two points to extend their lead. But Dunshaughlin hit back when Luke Mitchell, in lethal form, landed a stunning two-pointer off the ground ,his second of the game. Jared also added his trademark single point (as expected!), cutting the gap to four.

Eoin O’Connor entered the fray, replacing his younger brother Evan (aged just 17), who had a solid showing on his debut start.

Summerhill were awarded a 21-metre free after a Dunshaughlin infringement, which Conor Frayne converted with ease Two more points from the home side pushed their lead to seven.

But Mitchell, unfazed, struck again with his third two-pointer of the night, dragging Dunshaughlin back into contention. Summerhill replied with another point, bringing their tally to 16.

Then came the turning point.!!

A phase of play deep in the Summerhill square led to confusion and a potential handling offence. After a moment of debate, a penalty was awarded....though no one seemed entirely certain why. Regardless, the result was emphatic. The spot-kick was rifled into the top-right corner with conviction.....a serious peno........cutting the gap to just three.

Mitchell added yet another point in the final ten minutes, leaving the black and amber just two behind. Summerhill responded with their 17th point of the evening, but Dunshaughlin weren’t done yet.

Enter the unsung hero, with legs of steel...who surged forward with determination in the dying seconds. Ciaran McCarricks run broke through the Summerhill defence. His effort took a deflection..and found Sean O'Neill who found the net! A equaliser that sent the away crowd home happy and ensured Dunshaughlin remained unbeaten.

Dunshaughlin scorers: Luke Mitchell 1-8 (3×2pts), Sean O’Neill 1-0, Jared Rushe 0-1, John McDonagh 0-1 (1f), Tadhg O'Dushlaine 0-1

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