Clann na nGael 0-19 Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-20

Clann na nGael fell to a one-point defeat to Donaghmore/Ashbourne in the opening round of the Abbey Pharmacy Intermediate Hurling Championship. The game was played in sweltering conditions in Boardsmill, and despite the heat neither side was allowed a Maor Uisce to bring water onto the field. 

Donaghmore/Ashbourne started brightly with three points, all from frees, before Clann na nGael responded with two from play. The first half continued tit-for-tat, with Clann na nGael threatening for goal at times through Diarmaid Ó Donnchadha and Josh McGrath but each chance was eventually snuffed out by the Donaghmore/Ashbourne defence. 

Scór leath-ama: Clann na nGael 0-9 Don/Ash 0-10

Following several half-time changes, Oisín Durcan hit a monster point from half-back in his first involvement in play. Despite this and several points from play from Conor McGovern, Donaghmore opened up a three-point lead, 0-19 to 0-16, heading into the final quarter. A series of excellent saves from Brendan Smith kept Clann na nGael in the game, and Clann na nGael fought back to bring the game level, 0-19 apiece. 

The referee initially awarded Shane Leavy a penalty after he was fouled in the square, however following consultation with his umpires, play resumed with a throw-in. Donaghmore/Ashbourne eventually won a free in the final minute of the game which their free-taker duly slotted over to give them a one-point win.

Next up for Clann na nGael is a trip to Dunganny to face Rathmolyon on Saturday 1st August.

Clann na nGael: Brendan Smith, Daragh O'Reilly, Ciarán Fitzsimons, Evan Cole, Darragh Brogan, Seán O'Reilly, Jack Doherty, Eugene O'Reilly (0-1), Odhran Daly, Josh McGrath (0-1), Luke Ennis (0-2, 0-1 free), Conor McGovern (0-7), Conor Cribbin Hayes (0-1), Diarmaid Ó Donnchadha (0-1), Joe Ennis (0-5, 0-4 frees). 

Subs: Niall O'Reilly for Daly, Shane Leavy for Cribbin Hayes, Oisín Durcan (0-1) for S O'Reilly, Cian Harmon for Brogan, Eoin Kelleher for McGrath, Craig Doherty, Jeaic Murray, Christian Doherty, Colm Timmons

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