Jenkinstown Gaels played their first home game in Division 2 of the minor football league in Batterstown on Saturday last, 18th February, in bitingly cold but dry weather conditions. The match had been originally fixed for Moynalvey but Fridays persistent rain put paid to that. The rain also made sure that Kilcloon would not be available
Despite the strong wind which was blowing towards the Red Road goals and which the Gaels were defending, the home team started at a blistering pace with Padraig Harnan rattling the Dunsany net in their first attack. Dunsany fought back, gave as good as they got and deservedly went ahead at one stage in the half. However two well timed goals from the Gaels no 12, Paddy Connell and centre forward Cillian O Sullivan, a point from a free by Paul Kelly and one from play from the Gaels No 11, ensured that Jenkinstown lead at half time on a score of 3-2 to 2-4.
It was tit for tat on the field of play in the second half until Dunsany lost their county minor Declan Smith, to injury. From there on it was almost one way traffic towards the visitors goal and while it took the Gaels a while to find the range even with the wind at their backs they eventually got the scores which saw them finish as winners 4-9 to 2-4.
Jenkinstown Gaels: Chris O’Malley, Joe Munnelly, Shane Whitty, Philip Carey, Mark Foy, Brian Harnan, Eamon Walsh, Shaun Deering, Padraig Harnan (1-1), Paul Kelly(1-2), Cillian O’Sullivan(1-2), Paddy Connell(1-0), David McLoughlin (0-1), Colin Farrell, Niall Kelly (0-3). Subs: John F Martin, Daragh Brannigan, Fergal McCabe, Eoin Kiernan and Liam Farrell.
