Moynalvey’s run in this years AIB club championship came to a disappointing end after this 2 point defeat to deserving winners John Mitchell’s of Liverpool in this quarter final played in Pairc Tailteann, Navan on Sunday, January 11th.
Moynalvey 1- 8 John Mitchells 1 – 10
Despite a frantic finish where Moynalvey reduced the deficit to one point, it was Moynalvey’s failure to use wind advantage in the first half that ultimately cost them in this well contested quarter final game.
In a wet and windy Pairc Tailteann, Mark O’Sullivan opened the scoring after 1 minute before Mitchells equalised 7 minutes later. Mitchells were enjoying plenty of posession and unluckily hit the crossbar after 15 minutes. It wasn’t until the 19th minute that Moynalvey restored their lead with a Cathal Sheridan free and a Willie Byrne point from play 3 minutes later left the score at 0 – 3 to 0 – 1 in Moynalvey’s favour.
Mitchells closed the gap with a point and Moynalvey were struggling despite having a strong breeze shooting into the town end. However 3 points in 4 minutes from Sheridan (including 2 frees gave Moynalvey a 0 – 6 to 0 – 2 lead at the break.
Mitchells set about using the breeze to far better effect in the second half and 3 points on the trot was followed by a goal after 44 minutes to push them ahead for the first time on a scoreline of 1 – 5 to 0 – 6. Moynalvey responded with a Sheridan free before Mitchells took control again with 4 points on the trot to leave them 5 points clear on a scoreline of 1 – 9 to 0 – 7 with 5 minutes remaining.
Moynalvey rallied however, and a goal by substitute James Weldon was followed by a Shane Reilly point to leave the gap at the minimum entering stoppage time. Moynalvey tried their best to level but a point from Mitchells with the last kick ensured a deserved victory for the All Britain senior champions.
This was a disappointing end to a long and successful year for Moynalvey. The players can now take a deserved break before returning to training for a tilt at the Meath Intermediate championship in 2009.
Team & scorers – O Regan, R Kiernan, P Donoghue, D Kane, P Weldon, D Dixon, D Donoghue, S Donoghue, J Donoghue, S Reilly (0 – 1), C Sheridan (0 – 5, 0 – 4 frees), R Quinlan, B Gilsenan, W Byrne (0 – 1), M O’Sullivan (0 – 1). Subs – J Weldon (1 – 0) for R Quinlan, C Collins for C Sheridan, PJ Walsh for B Gilsenan & G Fagan for S Reilly.
