This was a hard fought game and Clonmore had to show a lot of character and resilience to overcome a 0-5 to 0-1 deficit early in the first half and come away with a deserved win in the end.
Fenagh's county seniors hurlers, Sean Murphy and Craig Wall, were very strong around the midfield area and Fenagh raced into an early lead with corner forward Marty Dalton kicking three points. Thankfully for Clonmore, Paddy Gahan was revelling in his new role at wing forward and he scored three good points to keep us in the game.
With full back John Kelly and centre back Shane Murphy putting their bodies on the line to keep Fenagh at bay, the Clonmore lads gradually clawed themselves back into the game. David Mulvany started to exert control at midfield and third midfielder Enda C McGrath also caugh a few good balls. Once the ball was delivered quickly onto the two man full-forward line Gavin Byrne and Niall Humphries had the speed to beat their men and the accuracy to score. They both kicked excellent points before half-time to leave the scores level at 0-6 apiece.
Within minutes of the re-start, Clonmore took the lead with a Gavin free after attacking wing back Kevin McCarney was fouled. On 37 minutes, the same two players combined in the move of the match as Gavin delivered a precise 30 yard pass to put Kevin through on goal – there was still a bit of work to be done but the Minvaude man made a great catch and buried the chance in style – 1-7 to 0-6. With a four point cushion, Clonmore grew in confidence all over the pitch. Further points from Niall, Gavin (2f), and substitute Darren McGrath put us 1-11 to 0-8 ahead on 52 minutes. In the dying minutes Darren put away a great goal for another good scoring contribution after coming off the bench.
A very committed performance from the players in a difficult away game. The team is playing a nice brand of attacking football – plenty of controlled aggression at the back, clever inter passing to move the ball quickly up the field and intelligent running & accuracy from the forwards.
Next game is at home to Ballon on Friday evening, 17 April, at 8pm.
Story of the game:
12 mins: FN 0-5 CM 0-1 – Paddy Gahan point
30 mins: FN 0-6 CM 0-6 – Paddy (2), Gavin (2 frees), Niall
37 mins: FN 0-6 CM 1-7 – Gavin (free), Kevin McCarney GOAL
53 mins: FN 0-9 CM 1-11 – Niall, Gavin (2 frees), Darren
60 mins – FN 0-10 CM 2-11 – Darren GOAL.
TEAM: Paddy Byrne, Paul Hogan, John Kelly, Willie Byrne, Kevin McCarney (1-0), Shane Murphy, Anthony Byrne, David Mulvany, Alan Humphries, Paddy Gahan (0-3), Con Murphy, Enda A McGrath (Scotland), Enda C McGrath (Hillview Tce), Niall Humphries (0-2), Gavin Byrne (0-5, 5f). Subs: Darren McGrath (1-1) for Enda A, Adam Byrne for Niall, Andrew Byrne for Willie.
Photo: Goalscorers Darren McGrath and Kevin McCarney played an important part in the Intermediates deserved win away to Fenagh on 13 April.
