Agonising Defeat But Encouraging Performance Under Lights

Post date: Apr 13, 2013 12:56:57 PM

Moycullen 1-16 Mullagh 1-17

Without regulars last year, Sean Rossa McDermott, Con Bohan, Eanna Noone, Philip Lydon, Richie Devaney and Dan Kelly and with John Faherty on duty in Aintree, Mágh Cuilinn travelled by bus to Mullagh for a league fixture under lights.

Christopher Hurney set the tone for the evening by latching on to the first two opportunites that fell his way and driving both over the bar. Vinnie Faherty on his first competitive appearance of the season bagged four points from play. At the other end, Matt Donohoe was imperious at full back causing his direct opponent Cathal Dervan to seek greener pastures elsewhere after 15 minutes. Niall Mannion had an unerring record in the first half from three frees but Mullagh's sharpness from distance saw the sides level at 0-09 each at halftime.

The impression at halftime to the assembled supporters on both sides was this was a game being played at Championship pace. Kevin O'Donovan making his first competitive start was coping well although well guided by the experienced heads of Tomas Higgins and Mark Lydon, behind and beside him.

The second half proved equally competitive. Mullagh exerted the early pressure but Mágh Cuilinn were the ones who struck the first blow. A low ball across the goal from the right saw Tommy Newell taken out but the ball ran through to Michael Hurney but he was dismayed when his goal was disallowed for the foul on Tommy. Not to be denied Vinnie Faherty stepped up to the 20m free with only one intention and dispatched the ball into the net. Mullagh responded immediately with a point and it was Mullagh who had the upper hand in the exchange of points over the next 25 minutes scoring a further seven to five from Magh Cuilinn, Chris Hurney providing the only score from play and Niall Mannion four from five on placed balls. Mullagh had demonstrated their determination to prevail by springing county player David Glennon following the Mágh Cuilinn goal.

With the sides level and normal time up, Mark Lydon surged out of defence into midfield to launch a score fit to win any game, but it was not to be. Mullagh countered and just when it looked the situation was in hand, an error gave possession back and a wrongfooted defence was unable to prevent the goal.

Niall Mannion did score a final point from a tactical free conceded hoping one last chance might present itself but the final whistle was blown on the puckout.

Magh Cuilinn: Eric Fox, Tomas Higgins, Matt Donohoe, Eanna Malone, Kevin O'Donovan, Mark Lydon, Seosamh O'Faharta, Pat Lydon , Niall Mannion, Robert Molloy, Vinnie Faherty, Seamus Conneely, Tommy Newell, Chris Hurney, Michael Hurney.

Subs: Conor Noone for Robert Molloy; Ronan Higgins for Tommy Newell, Paul Burke, Robert Callaghan, David Kearns, Gary Bohan.