The Clann na nGael players before their victory over Ballinlough

Hanley's young guns show class

They had a very good 2019 winning the JFC in fine style and Clann na nGael indicated they might also enjoy an excellent 2020 when they showed real style and purpose by defeating Ballinlough 3-13 to 1-10 in their re-fixed IFC encounter at Pairc Tailteann this evening.

This was a very poignant evening for Ballinlough - and the wider GAA community in Meath - with all those present observing a minute's silence to remember James Baugh who tragically died in a road accident recently.

James was stalwart of the Ballinlough club and the players in red battled bravely throughout this encounter but they were ultimately unable to contain a lively Clann na nGael outfit who didn't appear in the least daunted by the step up to the IFC.

Tom Hanley's well-organised, youthful side played with an energy and enthusiam that augurs well for the future of the team, combining resolute defending with some quick-fire, rapier-like attacks that repeatedly exposed gaps in the opposition defence.

Last year's JFC winners conceded the opening point with Harry Ryan impressively slotting over for Ballinlough but it wasn't long until Clann na nGael's ability to break quickly from defence, sometimes with devastating pace, started to make an impact.

They led 1-6 to 0-5 at the interval and continued to push hard in the second-half. It was obvious well before the end who was going to win.

When they weren't attacking the Clanns were defending and they did that very well in that department too funnelling back in numbers and it wasn't unusual to see all 15 of their players inside the '45' metre line forming an impenetrable line.

"We are really delighted with the performance," said Clann na nGael manager Tommy Hanley. "In fairness to Ballinlough they never gave up and considering what happened there in recent weeks there was a cloud over the game tonight and we would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to everyone in Ballinlough and particularly the families of those involved in that terrible accident."

"What happened does put football in perspective. I would say it was hard for Ballinlough to get up for that game. They have been through a lot."

Clann na nGael broke through for their opening goal after just nine minutes putting together a rampaging move with the fleet-footed Rory Tuite and Philip Garry involved in getting the ball to Michael Coffey who skilfully slipped the pass past Derek Muldoon.

That put Clann na nGael 1-1 to 0-1 in front and the goal appeared to infuse the team with confidence. They pushed on proving adept at getting past the first tackle. They also kept the ball well and two points apiece from the impressive, skilful pair of Diarmaid O Donnchadha and Eamon O Donnchadha added to scores from Darragh Swaine and goalkeeper Eoin Griffin contributed to their first-half tally.

Ballinlough played a much more direct game early on but when it was clear it wasn't working for them they adopted a more structured, passing approach, and that yielded bigger dividends. Ryan converted two more frees with Junior O'Reilly and Benji Smith also contributing before the interval.

Ballinlough needed a bright start to the second-half. Instead it was Clann na nGael who got it with a sweeping move that Paul Tuite finishing to the net superbly.

Cian Swaine and Darragh Swaine each lofted over super points from play in the second-half to help keep Clann na nGael comfortably stay in front. Their third goal on 54 minutes scored by Eamon O Donnchadha effectively finished the game as a contest. It was a super move, a fine finish.

Ballinlough grafted and battled but could make little progress against a massed defence. Smith, Tommy McCullen, Ronan McGuinness and Ryan clipped over some neat scores from play in the second-half while Simon Deevy fired a spectacular goal to the net late on but it didn't change the pattern of the game. Clann na nGael marched to a deserved victory.

They had heroes all over the pitch on a night when they made a big statement.

SCORERS

Clann na nGael - Eamon O Donnchadha 1-2; Darragh Swaine 0-4 two frees; Paul Tuite 1-0; Michael Coffey 1-0; Diarmaid O Donnchadha 0-2; Tom Hanley 0-1; Eoin Griffin 0-1free; Jack Doherty 0-1 '45'; Cian Swaine 0-1; Philip Garry 0-1.

Ballinlough - Harry Ryan 0-5 four frees; Simon Deevy 1-0; Benji Smith 0-2; Junior O'Reilly 0-1 free; Ronan McGuinness 0-1; Tommy McCullen 0-1.

TEAMS

Clann na nGael - Eoin Griffin; Rory Tuite, Jack Doherty, Karl Kelly; Conor Fenton, John Farrell, Michael Coffey; Daragh Griffin, Cian Swaine; Diarmaid O Donnchacha, Philip Garry, Eamon O Donnchadha; Paul Tuite, Darragh Swaine, Tom Hanley.

Ballinlough - Derek Muldoon; Conor Fleming, Podge Muldoon, Robbie Farrell; Benji Smith, Lorcan Maguire, Darragh Caffrey; Michael Geraghty, Tommy McCullen; Ferghal Gibney, Sean Geraghty, Harry Ryan; Junior O'Reilly, Mark McCullen, Peadar Byrne. Subs - Simon Deevy for O'Reilly, Ronan McGuinness for Maguire both 26 mins, Matt Farrell for Robbie Farrell 34m. Black card - Mark McCullen 56m.

Chronicle choice (Man of the Match) - Diarmaid O Donnchadha (Clann na nGael)

Referee - Kieran Olwill (Moynalty).