Trim make it two wins in three days

There are those who believe Trim are one of the teams with a very decent chance of claiming the Jubilee Cup in the very near future - and perhaps other silverware as well - would have had views reinforced by how the team performed in recent days. 

Last night Neil Cole's side put in a storming display to defeat Killyon 3-18 to 0-26 in the A HL Div 1 at Killyon just a few days after they had overcome Clann na nGael in the SHC at Kildalkey. 

Trim had travelled to Kildalkey on Sunday with two wins from their first two outings and they had to be strong to overcome a gritty, tenacious Clann na nGael side who might still be involved in a relegation play-off but who look a much more forceful, formidable outfit this time around compared to last year. Trim won 3-15 to 0-16. 

Sunday's an entertaining contest with plenty of skill on display and while it was generally very sporting on a well-manicured pitch there were two dismissals. Trim's Alan Douglas was sent off after 52 minutes following an altercation while Clann na nGael substitute Aaron Ryan endured a similar fate near the end.

Apart from the very brief spell in the opening half Trim led all the way. They were in front - and as it turned out well on the way to victory - at the interval when they led 2-9 to 0-8.

Neil Heffernan ended up as Trim's chief marksman with 1-4 and that was hardly surprising. With his electric pace and strength he regularly skewered the Clann na nGael defence. His pace also helped create a first-half goal chance for Sean McGee who finished to the net with a powerful shot.

Then there was the incident just after the interval when Heffernan was hauled down in the 'square' and referee Stephen Masterson indicated a penalty but only after carefully consulting with his umpire. The penalty was well struck by Aaron McGee but Clann na nGael goalkeeper Darren Heaney, who is also a referee, made a fine save.  Still, Heaney could do nothing to prevent a further Trim goal on 43 minutes this time scored by Ciaran Joyce after a Brian Dowling effort hit the upright.

The Trim passing was often precise and helped to carve out chances many of whcih ended in points for Peter Farrell (three), Arnie McGee, Damien McGee, Joyce, Luke Moran, James Toher, Dowling and, of course, Heffernan. However, Trim also wasted chances, shooting 15 wides.

Once or twice Clann na nGael looked like they might be heading for a hefty defeat but they stayed in touch with the help of outstanding performances from players such as Ciaran Fitzsimons, Eamonn Ó Donnchadha and Aaron Ennis.

Ó Donnchadha hit six points while Darragh Brogan (two), Ennis (two), Ciaran Fitzsimons (two), Daragh Ó Griofa, Christopher Fitzsimons, Paddy Geraghty and Ryan were others to fire over in a spirited dislay but there was no stopping Heffernan or Trim.

Heffernan was also in fine form against Killyon last night scoring two goals with Sean McGee also finding the net. Goalkeeper Charlie Ennis was also in excellent form for Trim making a number of outstanding saves.  

Trim v Clann na nGael - Charlie Ennis; Ryan Andrews, James Andrews, Ciaran O'Rourke; Dimmy Higgins, James Toher (0-1 free), Gerard Dwane; Alan Douglas, Luke Moran (0-1); Damien McGee (0-1), Peter Farrell (0-3), Ciaran Joyce (1-1); Sean McGee (1-0), Neil Heffernan (1-4), Arnie McGee (0-3 '65', two frees). Subs - David Murtagh for Farrell, Brian Dowling (0-1) for D McGee both 38 mins, Mikey Cullen for A McGee 56m, Colm McGrath for Dwane 57m.

Clann na nGael - Darren Heaney; Aaron Doherty, Jack Doherty, Gearoid O Breathnach; Aaron Ennis (0-2 one free), Gary Mangan, Luke Swaine; Daragh Ó Griofa (0-1), Darragh Brogan (0-2); Eamonn Ó Donnchadha (0-6 five frees), Ciaran Garry, Ciaran Fitzsimons (0-2); Sean Reilly, Christopher Fitzimons (0-1), Paddy Geraghty (0-1). Subs - Aaron Ryan (0-1) for Geraghty 39 mins, T J Fallon for Doherty 56m.

Referee - Stephen Masterson (Kildalkey).