Brave Mearnog get their just rewards
O'Dwyer's Niall Tuckey (right) tackles Garristown's Paddy Cantwell during their clash on Sunday. Credit: O'Brien, Mike Doyle; Francis McGowan, Joe McGowan; Daniel Barry 0-2, Andrew Sheppard 0-1, Daniel Barry; Ryan O'Sullivan 0-1, Aidan Kenny 0-2, Johnny Madden 0-3, Niall O'Driscoll, Shane Ryan 03, Stephen McHale, Francis MacGahann 0-1, Joe Kenny 0-1, Neil Ho
Wednesday February 17 2010
IT'S been a long journey for the Naomh Mearnóg footballers but after a four year absence, they returned to the senior ranks following this superb five point victory at Balgriffin on Thursday night.
Parking was at a premium for this winners-take-all clash on a cold Thursday night, and in a tight first half Mearnog drew first blood when their 2008 All Star Shane Ryan drove over the first point.
Clan Na Gael came back with points from Ricky Joyce and Martin McGahan, but with Eoin Lee having a superb game in defence despite his lack of game time over the last twelve months, Mearnog rallied with points from Aidan Kenny, Johnny Madden, Andy Sheppard and Daniel Barry to lead 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time.
Fontenoy, however, started the second half brightly but were unable to translate their pressure into scores as Mearnog countered with another score from Ryan to knock the wind out of the Clan Na Gael side.
And further points from Madden, Joe McGowan and Kenny saw Mearnog double their lead as fatigue began to set into the Fontenoy's team following their tough semi-final win over Naomh Barrog.
And although points from Ricky Joyce, Joe Hennessy and Ciaran Connolly offered Fontenoy hope, it proved too late, with Lee and O'Reilly shutting up shop at the back as Mearnóg finished off the game with a late point from Madden.
And Johnston, who then guided the Under-21s to victory the following Saturday along with co manager Ray O'Sullivan, expressed delight when speaking on Monday.
'It's great reward for the lads. With the exception of Christmas week, they have been working flat out for the past thirteen months and to win ten games on the trot is a superb achievement.
'There were some celebrations over the weekend and we are looking to hold our own in Division two this season.
'It will be tough, but getting out of Division three has been a lot harder. We have a lot of young talent coming through, so hopefully that will hold us in good stead for the forthcoming campaign.'
