IHC title for Clann na nGael
Clann na nGael returned to the SHC for 2020 with a 2-14 to 1-8 IHC final victory this evening at Pairc Tailteann against Dunderry.
Clann na nGael totally dominated the opening half and had a 10-point advantage at the interval as they enjoyed a 1-11 to 0- 4 lead.
It was virtually all one-way traffic with Eamonn O Donnchadha leading the way for a fluent Clann na nGael side with six points.
Calum O'Sullivan claimed the goal with a fine 23rd minute piece of finishing and he also sent over two frees and a '65' with a point apiece from Aaron Ennis and Luke Swaine completing that impressive first-half tally.
Dunderry found the going tough although they couldn't be faulted for effort and commitment with a pointed free from Jamie Leavy and one from play augmented by similar scores by Luke Martyn (free) and Conor Farrell.
Full-forward Farrell claimed some fine possession around the Clann na nGael square, but was well marshalled by the tight-marking of Gary Mangan at full-back and centre-back Killian Swaine was equally effective.
Dunderry also lost Conor O'Shea briefly in that opening half with a shoulder injury, but he returned after receiving treatment in the dressing room with Thomas Conroy deputising.
Dunderry gave it their best shot in the second-half and grabbed a late consolation goal from substitute Cathal Ryan, but they also lost Conor Dempsey to a red card in added time.
Clann na nGael wrapped up the victory when Calum O'Sullivan converted a penalty goal six minutes after the resumption and he also added three pointed frees to complete the tally as the rain lashed down.
PENALTY GOAL SIX MINUTES INTO SECOND-HALF
CLOSING MINUTES OF FINAL