Kelly points the way as Moynalvey boys impress

Moynalvey emerged on the correct side of the scoreline in the u-16 FL Div 1A final at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday where they proved too strong for near neighbours Dunshaughlin. The Moynalvey boys played a very fluent style of football which negated any advantage the physically stronger Dunshaughlin team enjoyed. With the benefit of a substantial first-half wind Moynalvey were ahead by 3-5 to 0-2 at the interval. James Kelly claimed two of the goals and was a constant threat to a beleaguered Dunshaughlin rearguard during that opening half. Kelly's pace was a feature of his performance, but he also made intelligent use of possession, a fact reflected in a return of five points. Moynalvey's other score arrived from Cillian O'Sullivan in the 12th minute and that goal made amends for an earlier effort which rebounded off the post. Dunshaughlin managed a point a piece from frees by Patrick Darby and David Baggot, but they were outplayed in all sectors. The second-half was a more dour affair and the third-quarter produced only one score when Darby split the posts for Dunshaughlin's third point. Moynalvey didn't seem to be too bothered and certainly didn't get involved in any of Dunshaughlin's confrontational style. On that front, there was a lot to dislike about the Dunshaughlin performance and that negative attitude was portrayed near the end during a substitution. As a Dunshaughlin mentor attempted to shake hands, the Dunshaughlin player threw his gloves on the sideline and stomped down the tunnel. No doubt, the Dunshaughln mentors will address this problem and some other outbursts of indiscipline which only left it more difficult for the team as they lost their composure Referee Gerry O'Brien was kept busy and handled the game well as Moynalvey played all the football. Darren Brennan and Sean Burke dictated midfield and it was obvious, as the action unfolded, that the Moynalvey mentors had instilled a strong code of discipline. On many occasions the Moynalvey players just walked away from an opponent who was more intent on non-football tactics. On this occasion Moynalvey let the scoreboard do the talking. Kelly completed his side's tally with a brace of second-half points. Moynalvey - Moynalvey - Chris O'Malley; Conor Egan, Shane Browne, Brian Harnan; Dane Hoban, Anthony Forde, Cathal McCabe; Sean Burke, Darren Brennan; Daragh Brannigan, James Kelly (2-7), Cian Gorman; Cillian O'Sullivan (1-0), Padraig Harnan, Eric Ryan. Subs - David McLoughlin, Fergal McCabe, Joseph Munnelly, John Francis Martin, Conor Sheerin, John Hegarty, Eamonn walsh, David Duffy, Robert Fagan. Dunshaughlin - Jack O'Sullivan; Stephen Kinsella, Aidan Boswell, David Doherty; Andrew Kiernan, James Reilly, Keith Rooney; Eoin Hannon, Niall Hannon; Gavin Regan (0-1), Eimhin Kinsella, Sam Duggan; Patrick Darby (0-2), David Baggot (0-5), Gavin Malone. Subs - Gary Flanagan, Glen Fitzpatrick, Paul O'Connell, Paul Mooney, Oisin Foley, Shane Gollogly, Ben Duggan, Sean Fitzpatrick, Tom Sharp, Stephen Farrell. Referee - Gerry O'Brien (Wolfe Tones).