Gaeil Colmcille kick-start campaign with deserved victory

At one stage it looked like Gaeil Colmcille were going to win this SFC encounter at Pairc Tailteann by the proverbial canter.

In the dying seconds of this engaging contest they were fortunate not to concede a goal - and the game - with Gaeil Colmcille's 'keeper Barry Farrelly making a vital save to deny Donaghmore/Ashbourne's Jamie Browne.

In the end Gaeil Colmcille held on to win 0-16 to 2-7 and make the desired start to their campaign.

Luke Dempsey's Gaeil Colmcille led 0-11 to 1-4 at the break after producing some swashbuckling football in that opening 30 minutes with Andrew Tormey finding the net for the Boys in Green.

On 47 minutes Gaeil Colmcille led 0-15 to 1-4 and looked home and hosed but the lost their way in the closing stages as Donaghmore/Ashbourne came stroming back with the help of a Kevin Fenton goal.

Brian Hanlon had a first-rate outing for Gaeil Colmcille shooting eight points including a few booming efforts from play and placed balls.

Seamus Mattiemoe, Barry Tormey, Johnny Quigley, Oisin Reilly and Martin Barrett were others to point for the winners

Donaghmore/Ashbourne did well to bounce back from a slow start but they were unable to catch their opponents.

SCORERS

Gaeil Colmcille - Brian Hanlon 0-8 two frees, three '45s'; Seamus Mattimoe 0-3 two frees; Martin Barrett 0-2 one free; Oisin Reilly, Jonny Quigley 0-1; Barry Tormay 0-1.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne - Andrew Tormey 1-1 free; Kevin Fenton 1-1; Darragh McGovern 0-1 free; Sean Curran 0-1; Bryan Menton 0-1; Dylan Brady 0-1; Stephan Carton 0-1.

SEE FURTHER DETAILS, ANALYSIS AND PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GAME IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE