SHC Group B: Sun shines on determined Dunboyne
September 03, 2023
Dunboyne had two points to spare over Blackhall Gaels at Dunshaughlin
Dunboyne retained their SHC status with a narrow win over Blackhall Gaels at sunny Dunshaughlin on Saturday evening.
Dunboyne ............ 1-22
Blackhall Gaels .... 3-14
With more at stake, Dunboyne seemed more fired up and didn't make as many mistakes as their neighbours.
Already through to the SHC quarter-finals, this performance may concentrate the minds of Blackhall Gaels outfit, who came into this fixture unbeaten.
Two third quarter goals, from Paul Kelly and sub Jonathan Meyler, seemed to nudge the initiative towards Blackhall.
However, around the midpoint of the half, Shane McCormack goaled for Dunboyne to earn them a 1-16 to 2-10 advantage.
Despite Blackhall Gaels' best efforts to to bridge the gap, Dunboyne remained on the from foot to the end.
A notable feature of Dunboyne's performance was the positive manner they responded to the concession of scores.
The 'Gaels resilience was rewarded with Niall Mangan final quarter goal that cut the gap to two poiints, 3-11 to 1-19.
Neil Hackett's point for Dunboyne typified their response when threatened and ultimately secured their status.
Following a keenly contested opening quarter, Dunboyne put down a marker to move four points clear three times in the second quarter.
By half-time Dunboyne led by 0-13 to 0-9. When sub Cathal Meloday pointed in the 37th minute, they were five ahead.
Those Kelly and Meyler goals revived Blackhall hopes. The manner in which Dunboyne responsed in adversity made them deserving of retaining their status.
Scorers: Dunboyne - Simon Cunningham 0-6; Daire Rohan 0-6 (4fs); Shane McCormack 1-0; Eoghan McConnon 0-3; Niall Smyth 0-2; Neil Hackett 0-2;Liam Callary 0-1; Fergal Chawke 0-1.
Blackhall Gaels - Dermot Carty 0-10 (7fs); Paul Kelly 1-1; Daniel Carty 0-1; Stephen Morris 0-1; Conor Burke 0-1
Blackhall Gaels - David Farrell; Daniel Carty, Daithi McGowan, Sean Morris; Tom Murphy, Conor Delaney, Hugh Smith; Stephen Morris; Shane Whitty, John Kelly, Colm Whitty, Paul Kelly, Niall Mangan, Jonathan Meyler, Mark Mullally Subs - Colm Whitty for Meyler (45), Mark Nicholson for J Kelly (60).
Dunboyne - Michael Dunne; Aidan Flynn, Ciaran Lonergan, Peter Connolly; Ger Murphy, Adam O'Connor, Fergal Chawke; Conor Gilmartin, Eoghan McConnan; Daire Rohan, Liam Callary, Sean Quigley; Shane McCormack, Niall Smyth, Simon Cunningham. Subs - Cathal Melody for Gilmartin (35), Niall Hackett for McCormack (50).
Referee - Derek Burke (Na Fianna)
