Final Score St Finian's 4-09 Oliver Plunketts 0-12

With the temperature blazing on Sunday morning, the Finian's lads turned up the heat on a Plunkett's team who were topping the group on a better score difference. Winners of the game would put themselves right in contention for a league final.

The game started with some great physical exchanges between both sets of players. Finian's opened the scoring with 2 fine scores by Scott Brennan one from a free and the other from play. A great run from Eoin O'Connor down the left side had Plunkett's struggling to catch him. A great effort on goal was saved by the keeper, with Eoin sticking over the resulting shot on his left side.

With Plunkett's struggling to break down a well marshaled Finian's defensive set up, including Adam McGuirk, Patrick Dunne, James Sullivan & Mattie O'Toole, scores were at a premium.

In a low scoring first half the lads impressed the onlooking crowd with their discipline in defending and sticking to a new defensive setup.

Further scores in the half from Conor Halpin (0-01) Scott Brennan (0-02) had the lads leading into a well-earned half time drink.

The second half started with Plunkett's leveling the scores up with a quick score. A brilliant save from Stephen McNally in goal frustrated the opposition forward which led to Finian's regaining the lead after another fine score from Scott Brennan.

With the Finian's midfield of Killian Ryan, Captain David Butler & Conor Collier completely dominating the fitness battle against a tiring Plunkett's. The teams' heads were up, and they could sense a change in the opposition.

A great turnover by Killian Ryan on 45 minutes led to the opening goal. The ball fed into Brandon who had just come on as sub, flicked it onto Conor Halpin who burst through on goal. The shot giving the keeper no chance.

They say goals win games. And nothing surer the Finian's lads' accuracy in front of the post put the game to bed. 2 more quick well worked goals from James Doyle & Brandon Caffrey put them out of sight.

With Plunkett's on the attack the Brillant David Hattie playing at full back broke out of defence. He played a ball into the forwards which resulted in a penalty to Finian's. Up stepped Scott Brennan to duly slot the ball home.

With Finian's having time to freshen up the forward line with the introduction of Cian McCabe, Paddy Hattie & Dylan Gray, Plunkett's would never catch them now.

Further scores in the half Brandon Caffrey (1-01) Conor Halpin (1-01) James Doyle (1-0) & Scott Brennan (1-01) capped off a brilliant display.

Notable performances on the day go to Stephen McNally with 2 outstanding saves, Lee Kavanagh, Fiachra Comber & Patrick Dunne.

Next important outing for the lads is against St Maurs on the 08/08/2021 at 11am in Ridgewood.

We would ask coaches to pass this info into their Clubzap. It would be great to get a big crowd down of younger teams to show support and get to know the players & team.

The team will be looking for 2 coaches from underage teams to come along and join in as Mentors on the day. To understand team set up & familiarise themselves with players. If you are interested contact Mark Murray on Clubzap.

Congratulations to Shane Ainsworth & Emma on the birth of their baby daughter.

Our Mens 1st Football Team is proudly sponsored by Progressive Credit Union.