Seniors open their 2016 return with a win

Post date: Mar 16, 2016 10:13:49 PM

Mágh Cuilinn 1-16

Clarenbridge 1-10

Mágh Cuilinn won their opening league match thanks to a hard working team display. The official halftime score was 0-07 to 0-06 although many had Mágh Cuilinn one point better off. The bulk of first half scores came from the reliable free-taking of Niall Mannion, even if his shooting from play had a few cobwebs to blow away. Chris Hurney, Philip Lydon, Conor Bohan and Gary Bohan all contributed from play. Mannion had the ball in the net from the rebound of Dan Kelly's shot, but Dan having shipped some heavy punishment on the way through was given the "advantage" of a free once his shot was saved, so Niall will have to wait to add to his burgeoning goal tally (no doubt Chris is keeping a score).

The advantage of the wind and the scoring goal came into reality in the second half, where a secure defensive performance meant Micheál Bohan did not have too much trouble to deal with. With the younger Hurney among others winning his share of frees, Mannion kept the conversions coming. Various players having had opportunities in both halves to make the breakthrough, it was Chris Hurney who finally found the onion bag to keep his goal tally ticking over. Dan Kelly added his name to the list of scorers and also joining the scorers was one returned emigrant, Shane Barrett, recently transferred home from the Kingdom of Kerry. When he left, Mágh Cuilinn had not been Senior for 32 years; he returns to cap his Senior debut with a well taken score. Mágh Cuilinn had stretched their advantage to nine point before a period of sustained attack by Clarenbridge resulted in a late consolation goal.

Another welcome sight (hirsute or not) was Conor Noone's return to competitive hurling after a long year of serious illness.

Tús maith. Every reason to satisfied if not carried away with a League win in March.

Mágh Cuilinn: Micheál Bohan, Sean Rossa McDermott, Matt Donohue, Seosamh O'Faharta, Kevin O'Donovan, Eanna Noone, Pat Lydon, Dan Kelly, Philip Lydon, Chris Hurney, Gary Bohan, Conor Bohan, Seamus O'Conghaile, Niall Mannion, Andrew Hurney.

Subs: Conor Noone, Shane Barrett, Paul Burke, Robert Molloy, David Kearns, Richard Neylon, James Donohue