Moynalvey overcame a stern examination to score a hard fought but well deserved victory over St Brigids in very blustery conditions in Cortown on Monday, June 30th, and in doing so eliminated last year’s beaten semi finalists from this year’s competition.
Moynalvey 0 – 11 St Brigids 1 – 6
St Brigids won the toss and opted to play with the very strong breeze behind them in the first half. This appeared to be a good move as they raced into a 2 point lead before Moynalvey settled and drew level courtesy of well taken scores from the Donoghue brothers, David and John (free).
St Brigids were then awarded a penalty which Fergal Hennessy expertly despatched to the net to push them 1 – 2 to 0 – 2 clear but some excellent Moynalvey teamwork ensured Brigids were to only score one more point in the half whilst Moynalvey recorded 3 of their own against the breeze from Brian Gilsenan, John Donoghue and PJ Walsh to go in trailing 1 – 3 to 0 – 5 at the interval.
The breeze appeared to fade slightly at half time and Brigids scored 2 well taken points on the restart in response to Moynalvey points from play by David Donoghue and Brian Gilsenan to leave the score 1 – 5 to 0 – 7 in Brigid’s favour entering the final 20 minutes. However, Moynalvey were now getting on top and 3 excellent scores from full forward Mark O’Sullivan pushed the men in maroon 0 – 10 to 1 – 5 ahead entering the final 5 minutes. Moynalvey missed a couple of good chances to extend their lead before a John Donoghue fifty cancelled a Brigid’s pointed free to leave the final score at Moynalvey 0 – 11 St Brigids 1 – 6. Brigid’s frustration got the better of them in injury time as the referee showed 2 red cards to ensure they finished with 13 men.
This win leaves Moynalvey close to a quarter final spot with a win or draw in their final game versus Curraha guaranteeing a place in the last 8.
Team & scorers – O Regan , R Kiernan, P Donoghue, D Kane, P Weldon, D Dixon, A Brien, B Conneely, S Donoghue, D Donoghue (0 – 2), J Donoghue (0 – 3), W Byrne, PJ Walsh (0 – 1), M O’Sullivan (0 – 3), B Gilsenan (0 – 2). Subs – R Quinlan for B Conneely, J Weldon for PJ Walsh, D Smith for A Brien, C Collins for M O’Sullivan.
