Honours Even in Season Opener in Fohenagh

Post date: Feb 16, 2015 1:54:34 PM

Moycullen 3-13 Ahascragh Fohenagh 2-16

In opening round of Galway Intermediate League, an host of Intermediate debutants gained a creditable away draw. Such a spirited display today augurs well for Moycullen as young guns stepped up to the plate with Dylan Curran, Anraoi Whyte and John Lalor manning the full back line, Caleb Mc Guinness at midfield and the duo of Ryan Fox and Lairgnen Mc Dermott out front, all to the fore in a match there for the taking. The sharpshooter was a more experienced hand and when he struck a beautifully flighted sideline between the posts for the equalizer just before the final whistle it capped a performance for Niall Mannion that was truly awesome. There were many other great displays with James Donohoe at corner forward nabbing Moycullen's first 2 points to bring his side back into the game after a sluggish start that witnessed Ahascragh/Fohenagh race into a 5 point lead after only 12 minutes. Moycullen finished the first half ahead by a goal despite having to defend for long periods. Pat Lydon had a trademark score sending his marker all over the place before calmly slotting the sliotar over. Niall Mannion hit his 2 goals of a hat-trick also in this half, in addition Lairgnen Mc Dermott side-stepped his marker at full forward for a well taken point, with Mannion adding to his haul with a brace of points. Jack Kelly converted a difficult free from the sideline as the first half closed much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

The second half was a roller-coaster affair with Mannion to the fore for his final goal of the hat-trick - a sweetly struck ground shot from a rebound that left the goalkeeper no chance. Sadly though Mannion looked to bury the goalie with a rasper 10 minutes later but the goalkeeper dived spectacularly to turn the shot around the corner. Again Jack Kelly split the posts with the 65' but it was Mannion again that saved the day with a ball delivered from Mark Lydon that released Niall to fire the ball over the bar. Ahascragh/Fohenagh could have moved out of sight when their full forward got possession of the ball and headed for goal. Out of nowhere he was hit with a great shoulder by Anraoi Whyte which totally broke up the attack and allowed Moycullen regain control. As time ticked away and Moycullen a point down Mannion stepped up to cap a magnificent performance with a side line cut.

With big games ahead it is hoped the likes of Matt Donohue, Seosamh O'Fatharta, Eric Fox, Mark Lydon, Pat Lydon and Niall Mannion will continue to perform at this high level while also supporting the younger players.

Scoreres on the day Niall Mannion 3-4, Jack Kelly 0-3, Pat Lydon 0-2, James Donohue 0-2, with Ryan Fox and Lairgnen Mc Dermott a point-a-piece.