Strong Na Fianna finish secures victory
They didn't make the best of starts but Na Fianna finished the better side to secure a deserved 3-10 to 1-12 victory over Dunboyne in the SHC at Pairc Tailteann today.
The victory earned Mike Cole's side a place in the quarter-finals where they will face Longwood.
Behind 0-1 to 0-5 after 12 minutes - and still trailing 1-4 to 1-8 at the interval - Na Fianna eventually found their form to push on and secure the win.
They were helped in the second-half by a strong breeze but they also produced some excellent hurling to find the scores.
They took a big step to victory early in the second-half when Dunboyne goalkeeper Sean Moran's attempted pass to a colleague was intercepted by the fully alert Will Flynn who made the most of the unexpected chance that came his way to fire to the net.
That goal put Na Fianna 3-5 to 1-9 ahead and they stayed in front for the rest of the game, securing the win their hard graft and determination deserved.
Flynn also found the net for Na Fianna in the opening half ensuring he finished the afternoon with 2-2. Peter Slevin was another to hit the target for Na Fianna on 37 minutes (the team's second goal) to help them along the way.
The winners also managed a series of fine scores from play with Sean Coffey, Sean Martin, Peter Slevin, Shane Walsh, Barry Slevin and Flynn among those who slotted over. Mark Slevin also split the posts with a sideline cut and later converted a free.
Dunboyne had their moments particularly in the first-half and after 12 minutes they led 0-12 to 0-1 Niall Smyth firing to the net for them on 22 minutes. The lively Darragh Gilmartin and Sean Quigley slotted over seven points between them but they faded badly in the last quarter.
Na Fianna deservedly march on with hope in their hearts they can chalk up another victory against Longwood in the quarter-finals.
SCORERS
Na Fianna - Will Flynn 2-2; Peter Slevin 1-1; Mark Slevin 0-2 free, sideline; Barry Slevin 0-2 one free; Sean Coffey 0-1; Sean Martin 0-1; Shane Walsh 0-1.
Dunboyne - Niall Smyth 1-1; Darragh Gilmartin 0-4 one free, one '65'; Sean Quigley 0-3 one free; Stephen Moran 0-1; Sean McGrath 0-1; Peter Doherty 0-1; Michael Dunne 0-1.
TEAMS
Na Fianna - Eoin Reilly; Stephen Slevin, Diarmuid Bailey, Sean Coffey; Noel O'Sullivan, Oisin McCloskey, Evan Mullally; Ethan Devine, Peter Slevin; Sean Martin, Mark Slevin, Luke Kelly; Shane Walsh, Barry Slevin, Will Flynn. Subs - Cian Slattery for Kelly 44 mins, Rian Kelly for M Slevin, Kevin Coffey for Flynn 60m.
Dunboyne - Sean Moran; Ger Murphy, Stephen Moran, Eoghan Ryan; Alan Watters, Sean McGrath, Peter O'Doherty; Killian Smith, Michael O'Grady; Keith Quigley, Niall Smyth, Neil Hackett; Michael Dunne, Darragh Gilmartin, Sean Quigley. Subs - Andy McWeeney for O'Doherty 11 mins, Conor Gilmartin for Dunne, Ciaran McKay for D Gilmartin both 50m, Adam Hynes for Watters 52.
Referee - Richard Morris (Blackhall Gaels).