Despite playing against a strong wind in the first half, Clonmore still managed to lead by 0-8 to 0-2 at half-time. Fenagh, who knocked us out of the Championship at the Quarter Final stage last year, looked sluggish and were missing a number of players, including county hurler, Sean Murphy. Nevertheless, the quality of Clonmore's play was excellent with the backs getting out in front of their men, tackling hard and transferring the ball quickly to the forwards. The forwards in turn, showed great energy and put together some very slick passing movements resulting in a string of fine points. The midfielders worked tirelessy to win ball and link up play and each contributed a fine long range point to the scoreline.
The benefits of starting back training in February were there for all to see and the four pre-season practice matches have developed good teamwork and boosted morale within the squad.
In a good overall team effort, it was refreshing to see the number of Minors and Under 21s in the panel with Sean Doyle, Larry Doyle & Daniel Quigley (making their competitive debuts for the Intermediate team), Paddy, Andrew, Anthony, Gary & Adam Byrne, Jordan Kane, Dale McNamara, and Cian Heffernan all under 21.
A goal scored immediately after half-time by Niall Humphries, from a good pass by John McGrath, ensured there was no way back for Fenagh and a second by substitute Daniel Quigley on 55th minutes was the icing on the cake. Daniel has shown himself to be a cool finisher with three goals to his name already this season.
A very promising start to the season but sterner tests lie ahead – the next game is away to St Andrews on Sunday, 3 April, at 6pm.
TEAM: Paddy Byrne, John Kelly, Sean Doyle, Paul Hogan, David McCarney (0-1), Shane Murphy (0-1), Andrew Byrne, Alan Humphries (0-1), Anthony Byrne (0-1), Enda McGrath (0-2), Con Murphy (0-4, 3f), Paddy Gahan (0-3), Larry Doyle, John McGrath (0-1), Niall Humphries (1-1). Subs: Jordan Kane for Enda (HT)(0-2,1f), Daniel Quigley (1-0) for Niall, Dale McNamara for John, Martin Byrne for Hogie, Adam Byrne for Con.
PHOTO; The Clonmore Intermediate Panel and Selectors before the Fenagh game: Back (left to right): Joey Hayden (Selector), John McGrath, Martin Byrne, Richard Roche, Enda McGrath, Paddy Gahan, Willie Byrne, Dale McNamara, Paddy Byrne, Alan Humphries, Larry Doyle, John Kelly, Andrew Byrne, Jordan Kane, Cian Heffernan, Mark Byrne, Darren McGrath. Front: John Byrne (Selector), Paul Hogan, Daniel Quigley, Niall Humphries, Anthony Byrne, Con Murphy, Shane Murphy, Sean Doyle, Adam Byrne, David McCarney, Gary Byrne, Paul Byrne (Selector), John McCormack (Trainer).
