Na Fianna survive early red card and secure title

Na Fianna captured the Div 2 HC title and brought the Mattie O’Brien Memorial Cup back to the Enfield and Baconstown areas following a replay victory over Trim at St Loman’s Park on Saturday. Like the first game, which was an exciting contest, another big crowd turned up and they were treated to a wholehearted performance from both teams as Na Fianna survived the first-half dismissal of corner forward Davy Reilly. That 18th minute red card put the pressure on Na Fianna who had to dig deep for this victory. The players showed commendable character to survive a second-half onslaught from Trim. Mark McCormack had Trim on the scoreboard from a fourth minute pointed free, but two goals in a minute from Reilly and David Coffey propelled Na Fianna into a strong position. Reilly claimed the first goal with a fine effort which got his side on the scoreboard and 60 seconds later Coffey finished to the net after a Daniel Queeney shot was blocked. Trim recovered from that early setback, but were adrift by 0-3 to 2-3 at the end of the first-quarter. Points from McCormack and Colm McDonagh kept Trim in touch while Reilly claimed all Na Fianna’s points (two frees). However, Reilly departed when he was deemed guilty of a red-card offence by referee Ronan Garry. Trim manager John Andrews also introduced Kieran Connor for Paul Mullen in an effort to curtail what was, until that stage, a lively Na Fianna attack. Despite the handicap of only 14 men, Na Fianna worked extremely hard to compensate with Fergal Fagan taking up a position in the half-forward line as his colleagues raised their workrate. That determination was sufficient to keep them in the ascendancy for the remainder of the half and they took a 2-6 to 0-7 advantage to the dressing room at half-time. Daniel Queeney (two) and John O’Lone split the posts while at the other end McCormack (two frees), David McGuinness and substitute Connor were on the mark. Connor’s point was a superb effort from close to the corner flag close to the interval. Na Fianna resumed in a determined manner and had points on the board from Dean Henrick, Queeney and Fagan in as many minutes. Stephen Doyle and Eoin Dunne replied for Trim, but it was only a temporary reprieve and a brace of frees from Queeney restored a nine-point advantage (2-11 to 0-9) with 20 minutes remaining. Na Fianna managed one more point, a kicked effort from O’Lone after Fagan made the opening. There was a brief chance of a goal, but O’Lone opted for a point and it proved to be a crucial score. Understandably, Na Fianna tired in the closing stages and when Trim substitute Andrew O’Brien grabbed a goal and a point with his first two touches, it brought Trim back into contention and guaranteed a tight finish. Further points from Sean McGee (two) and McCormack gave Trim a lift, but Na Fianna battened down the hatches and were sent into raptures when the final whistle sounded. Na Fianna - A Kirby; T Healy, M Dixon, D Gorman; M Kelly, P Coffey, N Burke; D Henrick (0-1), O Lewis; J O’Lone (0-2), D Queeney (0-5 three frees), A Doherty; D Reilly (1-3 two frees), F Fagan (0-1), D Coffey (1-0). Subs - G Gorman for Doherty 38 mins; M Hanly for Dixon 58m; P Hogan for O’Lone 59m. Trim - S Butterly; D O’Connor, Q Kennedy, P Mullen; P Burke, D Foley, P Flanagan; M Lowther, C Dunne; S Doyle (0-1), C McDonagh (0-1), S McGee (0-2); E Dunne (0-1), D McGuinness, M McCormack (0-5 frees). Subs - K Connor (0-1) for Mullen 15 mins; A O’Brien (1-1) for Doyle 47m; D Melia for Dunne 47m Referee - Ronan Garry (Donaghmore / Ashbourne)