Moynalvey return to the Senior ranks

Moynalvey put in a strong second half performance to defeat Gaeil Colmcille in the Intermediate Football Championship decider at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday September 25th to claim a first title at the level since 1983.

Moynalvey captain John Donoghue raises the Mattie McDonnell cup
Moynalvey 0-15 Gaeil Colmcille 1-10

Gaeil Colmcille enjoyed the best of the first half. The Kells men led at the interval 1-8 to 0-7. Brian Hanlon got them on the scoreboard first with a converted free after seven minutes. Hanlon and full forward Martin Barrett accounted for a goal and seven points of Gaeil Colmcille's first half tally. Barrett's goal had given Kells a commanding 1-7 to 0-4 lead. Slowly but surely Moynalvey started to come into the game. Points from Cillian O'Sullivan, Willie Byrne and Ciaran Collins left them only four points in arrears at the break.

Playing with the aid of the wind blowing into the O'Mahony's end, Moynalvey began to eat into that four point lead. The Donoghue brothers John and Stephen, began to dominate in midfield and the supply followed to the forwards. Willie Byrne pointed a free, John Donoghue landed a forty five and his brother Stephen kicked an inspirational point to leave it 1-8 to 0-10. Hanlon steadied the Kells ship with his sixth point.

Moynalvey manager Alan Kelly began to empty his bench. Substitutes Ken Hyland and Daniel Treacy made an immediate impact with points. With ten minute remaining another Donoghue, David, kicked a point to level the match at 1-10 to 0-13. Moynalvey poured foward looking for the lead for the first time and the lively Cillian O'Sullivan duly obliged.

It was Gaeil Colmcille's turn to go in search of a score. A great move down field ended with Brian Hanlon crashing the ball of the Moynalvey crossbar and out to safety. Moynalvey missed a couple of easy frees before substitute James Kelly slotted over the insurance point.

After the game Meath County Board Chairman Barney Allen presented the Mattie McDonnell Cup to Moynalvey captain John Donoghue. The club have already won the Junior C championship this year.

Moynalvey: Ollie Regan, Robert Kiernan, Paul Weldon, Padraig Donoghue, Anthony Forde, Barry O'Keeffe (0-1), Willie Mahady, Stephen Donoghue (0-1), John Donoghue (0-1), Padraic Harnan, Mark O'Sullivan, David Donoghue (0-2), Cillian O'Sullivan (0-3), Ciaran Collins (0-1), Willie Byrne (0-3). Subs: Ken Hyland (0-1), Daniel Treacy (0-1), James Kelly (0-1)

Gaeil Colmcille: David Drew, Michael Foley, Robbie Flanagan, Declan Smith, Conall Finn, Barry Smith, Barry Tormay, Philly Ward, Justin Carry Lynch, Gary Arkins (0-1), Alan Hickey, Seanie Curran, Danny McGovern (0-1), Martin Barrett (1-2), Brian Hanlon (0-6). Subs: Keith Reilly, Seamus Mattimoe, Paul Tormay, Stephen Reddy.

(Report courtesy of Hoganstand)