BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S 2-24 NA FIANNA 0-15
Champions of the last two seasons, Ballyboden, made a determined opening defence of their crown in this entertaining Evening Herald Dublin SHC A Group A round-robin tie at Parnell Park on Friday night.
Na Fianna asked plenty of questions of the holders but Boden had prepared answers and once the really began motoring in the second half they put clear daylight between the sides.
Na Fianna started the better with the likes of Neil O Ceallachain and Brian Courtney using their pace to try stretch the Boden defence. Indeed, O Ceallachain almost goaled in the ninth minute but his kicked effort when narrowly wide.
Na Fianna led 0-3 to 0-2 after 14 minutes when Dave OConnor hit the opening goal for Boden and a brace of points from Shane Durkin, whose long-range accuracy was excellent all night, pushed his side 1-4 to 0-3 clear. The second Durkin effort came following a fine fetch from Stephen Perkins.
In the 20th minute Na Fianna No 6 scored a majestic point from the Mobhi Road outfit from halfway after plucking the sliotar overhead but despite the accuracy of Paul Carroll from frees it was Boden who held the advantage – 1-10 to 0-8 – at the break.
Boden really found their rhythm for the last 20 minutes and the introduction of the stylish Paul Ryan added even greater firepower to their attack.
The second goal from Boden arrived 12 minutes from time when Lambert applied the finish after a good run with Conal Keaney originally making a strong fetch in the half-forward line.
SCORERS – Ballyboden St Enda”s: S Durkin 0-5, S Lambert 1-2, P Ryan 0-4, D Sweeney, D Curtin (0-2f) 0-3 each, D O”Connor 1-0, C McCormack, E Carroll 0-2 each, S Perkins, T Sweeney, C Keaney 0-1 each. Na Fianna: P Carroll 0-6 (0-5f, 0-1 65), B Courtney, D O Maoileidigh, P Prenderville 0-2 each, T Brady, N O Ceallachain, T Bergin 0-1 each.
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S – G Maguire; J Duffy, D Spain, A Ryan; S Hiney, S Perkins, T Sweeney; S Durkin, M O’Sullivan; C McCormack, C Keaney, D Sweeney; D O’Connor, S Lambert, D Curtin. Subs: P Ryan for Curtin (inj, 38); N McMorrow for O’Connor (48); E Carroll for McCormack (52); J Doody for D Sweeney (56); E Walsh for Durkin (58).
NA FIANNA – J Caffrey; S Fitzgerald, E Rutledge, J McDonald; R Lynch, T Brady, M Quilty; N O’Hara, N O Ceallachain; B Courtney, R Frayne, S Behan; D O Maoileidigh, P Carroll, P O Laoire. Subs: T Bergin for Frayne (ht); P Prenderville for Behan (34); M Quinn for O Maoileidigh (46); C O Laoire for Fitzgerald (57).
REF – T Carton (Naomh Fionnbarra).
