Mals come strong in second half to safeguard Division 3A status in play-off against John Mitchel's

Division 3A/3B promotion/relegation play-off

John Mitchel's 0-10 Naomh Malachi 0-14

Naomh Malachi retained their place in Division 3A for 2020 after defeating John Mitchel’s at Ballybailie on Saturday evening.

There wasn’t a lot between the teams for much of the game, but a strong second half display saw the Courtbane men claim a crucial victory. The Mals booked their place in the final with a midweek victory over Dowdallshill and they completed the job with a good overall performance.

It was a disappointing outcome for Mitchel’s who were in contention throughout the game, but just missed out on promotion to the higher grade.

Collie Rooney led the way for Malachi’s in the first half, but with Robbie Coyle in good form at the other end the teams went in level at five points apiece.

The Courtbane side had the edge in the second half and went on to complete the win with Pádraig Moley, Jamie Kelly and Jack Kirwan contributing important points.

John Mitchel’s: Evan Farrell; Anthony Coyle, Niall Carroll, Ryan Carroll; Barry Kirk (0-1), Emmet Farrell, Mikey Nulty (0-1); James Clarke, Trevor Matthews (0-1); Kevin Gallagher (0-1), John Gallagher (0-1), Ben O’Brien (0-1); Rory Durnin, Stephen Coyle (0-1), Robbie Coyle (0-3)

Subs: Andrew Bingham, Alan Mackin, Emmet Ward

Naomh Malachi: Christopher McCaughley; Stephen Burns, Stephen Smith, Conor Begley; Aaron Mulholland, David Begley, Christopher Smith; Pierce Caherty (0-1), David Rogers; Donal Begley (0-1), Darragh Greene (0-1), Collie Rooney (0-6); Jamie Kelly (0-2), Pádraig Moley (0-2), Jack Kirwan (0-1)

Subs: Shane Rogers, Pete McShane, Mark Meegan, Paul Gogarty

Referee: Paul Finnegan (St. Patrick’s)