St Endas 3-0
An early St Enda’s goal and a point saw them run into an early lead. First match nerves where clearly evident with some way shooting by the forward line with an insistence on going for goals. Only the dominance of Aodhan McKenna, Steven Carson and Emmet Cummings in defence stopped the Ógs from going further behind. However, a well-taken point by Aidan McGarrity kick started the Ógs’ comeback and they soon settled down. With Steven McGuigan and Ciaran McAreavy dominating midfield, Chris Murphy was getting plenty of possession at full forward, and this eventfully paid off with a superbly taken goal. At half time, the scores were level but the Ógs were slowly exerting dominance. Mattie Keenan at centre half was in excellent form, as was Michael McCauley at corner forward and they tormented the St Endas defence. The Ógs eventually turned possession into scores with Chris Murphy again on the score sheet with two superb goals and Michael McAuley finishing off an excellent move with a fine point. With 10 minutes to go, the Ógs were 7 points ahead, but St Endas came back to score two goals to leave a very tense final few minutes. The Ógs held out however for a valuable win. All round an excellent team performance.
Team: H Doran, J Loughran, A McKenna, K McKenna, C
Another fine win for the Ógs, this time against Gort na Mona, saw them extend their unbeaten run and assure them of Division 1 status. However it has to be said the Ógs were fortunate to come away with the win against a very determined Gort side. A goal in the final minutes from Michael McAuley helped clinch the victory. However, it was determination and commitment in defence and midfield through Ciaran McAreavy, Steven Carson and Steven McGuigan that saw the Ógs take this match. Again, as was against St Endas, the Ógs couldn't convert possession into scores and some wayward shooting and over carrying of the ball saw them waste many chances and allow Gort na Mona to storm into an early lead. The Gort danger man was at full forward and picked off points at ease. Only some robust defending from Aodhan McKenna prevented the Ógs from conceding more than the 3 goals and 3 points by half time. The Ógs could only manage 2 goals and a point and faced a huge challenge into the second half. But again their determination and hunger to win saw them rack up early goals from Murphy and Keenan. With points by McGuigan, Lavery and McGarrity the Ógs grew more confident in their play and held on to their lead until the final whistles.
Team: C O’Callaghan, R Mulvenna, A McKenna, K McKenna, C