Clan na Gael record vital win over rivals Sean O'Mahony's

CTI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP

GROUP 4 ROUND 2

SEAN O’MAHONY’S 0-13 CLAN NA GAEL 0-9

Clan Na Gael put their hands up for more than bragging rights against neighbours Sean O’Mahony’s last Saturday night as the championship returned to Haggardstown for the first time in two years.

After an indifferent finish to the split league and the absence of Billy Smith, the winners were full value for their four-point win. The performance also suggests that they have timed their run right for another crack at winning the Seamus Flood Cup.

From the off, Robbie Curran was on song. The Clans midfielder would go on to influence proceedings and drive his side to victory by top scoring with seven points. His brother Gerard also shone in moments but in such a close game, Curran’s efficiency was always going to be the difference.

Having picked up a win the week previous, O’Mahony’s were once again sluggish. Ben McLaughlin and Terry Kelly tried to get them going with three first half frees.

However, despite being off colour, O’Mahony’s were traditionally dogged and went in level at 0-5 apiece but crucially never built up enough steam to lead.

Kilkerley on the cusp of elimination following loss to Hunterstown Rovers

Mattock Rangers take control of their group following decisive victory

Kelly would ironically give Liam Dullaghan’s side the advantage upon the resumption but the lead was short one as Alan O’Neill’s more polished side hit five in a row to sway the derby. The impressive Gavin Gaffey levelled, and the winners took over.

In the midst of the winning run, Curran walloped over his only point from play out on the sideline in front of the O’Mahony’s bench. Much to their chagrin, the point was there to be applauded regardless of who you supported.

Seán O’Hanlon and Jason Cullen's pacey threat was constant, and with the game stretched the duo sealed the game.

O’Mahony’s will have to lick their wounds, while the winners need to beat the O’Connell’s to take top spot.

CLAN NA GAEL: Seán Smyth; Brian McDonnell, Jack Callan, Conor Smith; Shane Carroll, Gerard Curran, Conall McKeever; Conor Noonan, Robbie Curran (0-7, 0-6 frees); Paul Crewe, Mark McGeown, John Byrne; Seán O’Hanlon (0-2), Jason Cullen (0-2), Gavin Gaffey (0-2). SUBS: Ciaran O’Connor for McGeown (41), Craig Long for Smith (43), Mark Lee for Gaffey (52).

SEAN O'MAHONY'S: Eddie Maguire; Kian McEvoy, Chris O'Neill, Rob Galligan; Conor Finnegan, Keith McLaughlin, Thomas Rice (0-3 frees); Brian Gartland, Conor Martin; Tiernan Cassidy (0-1 mark), Ben McLaughlin (0-1), Conor Mackin; Stephen Kilcoyne, Gareth Hall, Terry Kelly (0-4, 0-3 frees). SUBS: Stephen Kettle for K McLaughlin (49), Robbie Clarke for Mackin (49), Vinny Smith for Kilcoyne (52). 

REFEREE: Conor McCullough (Naomh Fionnbarra).