Classy Clann na nGael deliver resounding victory

Clann na nGael won the u-15 HC Div 3 Ted Murtagh Cup this evening at Pairc Tailteann with a 4-15 to 2-5 win against Dunboyne.

The scoreline is bit unfair on Dunboyne in the sense that they just happened to come up against a hugely talented Clann na nGael team

Clann na nGael set the early pace and displayed great skill despite the fact that the Dunboyne players were physically bigger and stronger.

Keelan McKenna was particularly prominent and issued a warning in the second minute with a surging run that produced a smart save from Dunboyne custodian Sean Cregan at the expense of a '65'.

That gave another young Clann na nGael player, Luke Ennis, a chance to show his ability as he sent the sliotar over the black sport from the resultant '65'.

He added two more point, both from distance, before the first water break as Clann na nGael established a 1-3 to 0-0 advantage.

The goal arrived from another of those surging runs by McKenna who won possession from a throw in on the 45-metre line and set his sights on finding the net.

At the back Clann na nGael had a solid defence that was well marshalled by the excellent full-back Luke Cahill who was ably assisted by Evan Smith and Tiernan Boyle and when a speculative effort from Jack Kelly found the net it extended the lead to 2-3 to 0-0.

While Dunboyne failed to raise a flag, they didn't lack in the determination department with goalkeeper Cregan, Cian Duggan, Ciaran McCormack, Ben Madigan, John Harkin and Jamie McCormack all proficient in the skills of the game.

Jamie McCormack got Dunboyne on the scoreboard with a pointed free when play resumed.

The Dunboyne boys enjoyed about 10 minutes of dominance as Harkin found the net after Ciaran McCormack carved the opening and the goalscorer added a point soon after.

However, Kelly tacked on a point for Clann na nGael before the interval for a 2-4 to 1-2 interval advantage.

Clann na nGael gave an exhibition of hurling after the resumption and added eight points before the second water break.

It was the quality of the scores that stood out with long-range frees, play and one superb effort from a sideline cut. Luke Ennis (six) and one each by Eoin Kelleher and Jack Kelly.

Dunboyne were unfortunate to meet such a good team in a final as they were no slouches either and had a brace of Jamie McCormack points and one from Sean McNulty as they faced into the final quarter trailing by 1-5 to 2-12.

The outcome was never in doubt at that stage, but Dunboyne remained determined and focused, but couldn't reel in the classy opposition although Cian Duggan claimed a late goal.

At that stage Clann na nGael had added further goals from Liam Kelleher and Keelan McKenna along with three Luke Ennis points.

Clann na nGael (panel) – Brendan Smith; Evan Smith, Luke Cahill, Tiernan Boyle; Tadgh Murray, Odhran Daly, Oisin Durkan; Eoin Kelliher, Jack Kelly; Fionn Mullen, Keelan McKenna, Dylan Doherty; Liam Kelleher, Luke Ennis, Darragh McGovern.

Dunboyne (panel) – Sean Cregan Jack Fitzsimons, Ronan Kelly, Fionn Brady; Luke Loftus, Jamie McCormack, Cian Rohan; Conor Murphy, Josh Felle; Tommy Leonard, John Harkin, Cian Duggan; Ciaran McCormack, Sean McNulty, Liam Davis, Darragh Callanan; Adam Humphreys, Ben Madigan, Cian O'Brien; Cillian Felle, Conor Dunbar, David Lee; Dylan O'Connor, Jamie Gallagher; Joe Cregan, Luke Coone, Darragh Vaughan; Eoghan Pearl, Eoin McCrudden, James Lonergan.

Referee – Martin Ennis (Longwood).