Junior “D” Football Championship

Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Clann na nGael in Dunshaughlin 10thJuly 2010.

The “D for Danger” men of Donaghmore/Ashbourne certainly lived up to their name in Dunshaughlin on Saturday evening. They maintained their 100% start to the Championship campaign by beating the only other previously undefeated team in the group, Clann na nGael. They did so on a very impressive score line of 2-11 to 1-6. The only downside to the performance was that three of our players sustained injuries during the game, all in accidental clashes. Paudie Ryan had to be helped from the field shortly after the half time break and Sean Robinson and Andy Kinsella both suffered lacerations to their heads when they clashed with just ten minutes remaining. An ambulance arrived very promptly and the three lads were brought for treatment. We wish them all a very prompt recovery.

On an evening more suited to Ducks than to D Championship football, Sean Benville opened the scoring with an excellent point from distance. The lead was short-lived however, as Clann na nGael opened their account with a goal that resulted from a dubious free. They quickly followed this with a pointed free to lead by three after ten minutes. This lead was swiftly eroded by a sequence of Donaghmore/Ashbourne scores. Vinny Carton converted a free and Brian Fitzgerald forced a great save from the keeper who could only parry the ball over his own bar. Points from Andy Kinsella on twenty-seven minutes and Sean Benville after great work by Brian Fitz, were quickly followed by further points from Brian Fitz, John Mc Gleenon and Sean Benville who really played a captain’s role throughout the game. This left Donaghmore/Ashbourne four points to the good at half time.

John Mc Gleenon stretched the lead to five shortly after the restart. Paudie Ryan sustained his injury then and Paul Finglas replaced him. Then followed one of the highlights of the match as Brian Fitz embarked on a mazy solo run and crashed the ball past the Clann na nGael keeper. When Ross Gilsenan scored Donaghmore/Ashbourne’s second goal shortly thereafter the game was effectively ended as a contest. Clann na nGael’s  second half tally of five points (all from frees) was not enough to keep them in contention. Brian Fitz increased his personal haul to 1-3 with another superb point. Then with ten minutes of the game left Sean and Andy had their unfortunate collision. When play finally resumed Vincent Carton completed the scoring with a pointed free.

This third victory in the group sees Donaghmore/Ashbourne in an extremely healthy state and among the favourites for ultimate success this year. Well done to all concerned. Keep up the good work.