Moynalvey survived a late Carnaross comeback, which yielded 2 goals in the final 5 minutes, to emerge victorious by 2 points in this first round championship game played in Dunganny on Sunday, March 8th.
Moynalvey 3 – 8 Carnaross 3 – 6
Moynalvey started brightest and with the aid of wind advantage opened the scoring through a James Kelly free. Carnaross responded to level but Moynalvey surged ahead through points from Cathal McCabe, Kelly (2) and a well taken Darren Brennan goal to lead by 1 – 4 to 0 – 1 after 15 minutes. Carnaross pointed again before Kelly underlined his rich potential with a goal to push Moynalvey 2 – 4 to 0 – 2 ahead. Carnaross refused to buckle however, and goaled themselves to cut the deficit before points from Kelly (free) and William Harnan left Moynalvey 2 – 6 to 1 – 2 ahead at the interval.
Carnaross now had wind advantage for the second period and scored the first 2 points of the half to cut the deficit to 5 points. Moynalvey weathered the storm and responded with an excellent Harnan goal and 2 further points from Kelly and Harnan in response to a Carnaross point had Moynalvey 3 – 8 to 1 – 5 clear with the clock ticking down.
Carnaross refused to give in and their late rally brought the final deficit down to 2 points but Moynalvey held on to secure a deserved victory in a game they never trailed. This was a good victory for a Moynalvey side forced to field without the injured Mark O’Sullivan and they now progress to the next round where they will take on the winners of the Senchalstown and Dunsany first round tie.
Team & scorers – C Egan, S Carroll, S Browne, D Reilly, S Burke, A Forde, W Harnan (1 – 2), P Hegarty, J Kelly (1 – 5), D Brennan (1 – 0), C McCabe (0 – 1), S Egan, N Madden. Sub – D Hoban for D Reilly.
