Seniors v Islandeady – Match Report
Davitts met Islandeady in Division 1B of the Senior League in Ballindine on Sunday. The two sides ended up level, 0-11 each, after a titanic struggle. The draw puts Davitts one point clear of Westport and Ballaghaderreen at the top of the League table.
Islandeady opened the scoring in the second minute against an under strength home side. One got the feeling that Davitts would be in for a tough hour when a dangerous high tackle on Ronan McNamara inside the penalty area went unpenalised by the ref two minutes later. Liam Kearns equalized with a fine long range effort three minutes later but there was little between the sides throughout. Further points from Declan Healy, Liam Kearns, Cathal Hennelly and Ronan McNamara (2) had Davitts ahead by 0-6 to 0-3, but two late Islandeady scores left the home side leading by a point at the break.
The visitors began the second half well and got the first three points to lead by two. Declan Healy pulled one back and Cathal Hennelly equalized. Islandeady hit a purple patch as the game entered the final quarter and shot three points. Cathal Hennelly narrowed the gap to two as the game approached injury time. Ronan McNamara almost goaled but his shot was deflected for a forty five which he duly converted. Cathal Hennelly had the last say, pointing with seconds remaining, to tie the game.
Davitts didn’t play well in this game and will be happy to have got the draw. Their best players were Colm Roche, Kevin Gallagher, Brian Clarke, Declan Healy, Cathal Hennelly and Ronan McNamara.
Davitts: Adrian McNamara, Colm Roche, Cathal Higgins, Kevin Gallagher, Brian Clarke, Michael Waldron, Johnno Clarke, Declan Healy (0-2), Sean Waldron, Thomas Waldron, Liam Kearns (0-2), Keith Prendergast, Cathal Hennelly (0-4), Ronan McNamara (0-3), Evan Ronayne. Subs used: Padraig Mangan, Shane Treacy, Paul Carey, Martin Cosgrove.