Sunday’s opening game featured the winless Magheracloone taking on a Western Gaels team looking for their third win in a row. The Western Gaels kept up their streak, winning by 2-6 to 0-2, with Jamie Marks’ headed point a notable highlight. The result was in little doubt from the early stages, with Magheracloone struggling to source scores – and quality – up front. They will be eagerly awaiting this week’s upcoming top-up draft to source new players to help save their floundering season.
In the next match, Na Fianna tried to hand the Gabriels their first loss of the season. Na Fianna started the better of the two teams and a wildly celebrated Jeremy Burns goal saw them lead 1-2 to no score early in the second half. However, Stephen Byrne replied with four unanswered points and Aengus Byrne (no relation) added two goals to turn the match on its head and see the Gabriels home for another win, 2-4 to 1-2.
The third men’s match on Sunday was between Cú Chulainns and Tír na nÓg. Both teams played their part in a high-quality match, with Cú Chulainns kicking some great scores which was matched by an Ollie Freaney wonder goal for Tír na nÓg to get them to within three late in the game, when referee Tom Sheahan awarded them a late penalty. Freaney then went from hero to villain, seeing his penalty saved by Cú Chulainns keeper Bryce Howarth, allowing Cú Chulainns to close out a 1-7 to 1-4 win.
The clash between Cavan Gaels and Éire Óg rounded out the weekend. Cavan Gaels burst out of the blocks with three quick goals, from which Éire Óg never recovered. With manager Richy O’Carroll missing, the Gaels were ruthless in attack; Martin Pacaud bagging 3-3 to ignite his golden boot challenge with Tim Davies (2), and Stephen Caffrey adding further goals in their season high scoring total of 6-5. Éire Óg only managed three points in reply and were put out of their misery by the final whistle.
In Sunday’s opening ladies’ game, Na Piarsaigh got an overdue first win of the season as they were finally able to put out their strongest team.
Welcoming back Heather Thompson, Selena Travers and Sophia Dilbert, they proved too strong for Oliver Plunketts, who are still missing captain and key forward Carol Leahy with injury. 4-2 to 1-4 was the final score.
Next up was the heavyweight clash of Sarsfields and Clan Na Gael, with both teams defending unbeaten records. Reds forward Kate Amigo was too much to handle for the Oranges’ defence scoring 2-2 in her side’s total of 2-4.
Anne Bjorge and Maralynn Smith replied with a point a piece for Clan na Gael. The win for Sarsfields allowed them to take over at the top of the league table.
The last ladies’ game on Sunday was between Buffers’ Alley and Skeheenarinky.
The game quickly turned in to the Sara Gibbons show, as the Blues captain scored 1-5 which was more than enough to beat a Pinks team still looking for their first win of the season. 1-7 to 0-2 was the end result.
Related Videos
