Martin’s shade tight battle.

A second half goal for Fenian’s in this St. Canice’s Credit Union league tie looked like as if this game had slipped from St. Martin’s grasp as they came under pressure from a gallant Fenian’s side.  Played in a cold St. Lachtain’s Park, both sides went out to secure another two badly needed points.   John Maher opened proceedings for the winners with a fine point from a pass by Canice Maher.  However, that was to be their only score for 13 minutes while the Johnstown men notched up 4 points of their own from Kieran Grehan, Kevin Power and Mark Webster.  The men from the hills did not let Fenian’s get too far ahead however and replied with scores from James Dowling and John Maher from frees with Robert Shore putting the Martin’s side up by a point.  Just before half time, Conor Tobin pointed for the Fenian’s to leave the sides level at half time on 0-6 a piece.  With the assistance of the wind, Martin’s men Thomas Breen, Canice Maher and John Maher came flying out of the traps  after half time to put the side two up as they traded points with Fenian’s corner forward, Mark Webster. In the 37th minute, St. Martin’s lost the hard working Paul Maher to injury but the leader of the pack John Maher and John Mulhall increased the lead even further to put four between the sides.  With a sense of urgency, Fenian’s upped the gears and mid way through the half, Johnstown’s Full forward Kevin Power found the back of the net to leave just the bare minimum between the sides.  Carter’s men had it all to do but  fine points from James Dowling, Thomas Breen, John Maher and Eoin McGrath ensured that Martin’s retained the lead.  The Johnstown men went on the offensive continuously putting the ball in around the square trying to find the net but with the half back line of Bryan Byrne, Paddy Nolan and Michael Morrissey hitting a lot of ball during the hour and impressive full back Ollie Walsh with Niall Moran and Shane Cadigan and the ever alert Colin McGrath as the last line in the defence ensured the Fenian’s were kept at bay.  With just 3 points between the sides, and time nearly up, Robert Shore fielded a pass from Thomas Breen and pointed to insure the Fenian’s men couldn’t take the lead as they ran out winners on a score line of St. Martin’s 0-18 Fenian’s 1-11.

Scorers: John Maher 0-7, Thomas Breen 0-3, James Dowling 0-3, Robert Shore 0-2, Canice Maher 0-1, John Mulhall 0-1, Eoin McGrath 0-1.

Team: Colin McGrath, Niall Moran, Ollie Walsh, Shane Cadigan, Bryan Byrne, Paddy Nolan, Michael Morrissey, Canice Maher, James Dowling, Thomas Breen, Paul Maher, John Mulhall, Eoin McGrath, John Maher, Robert Shore.

Subs: Jason Shore, James Maher, Brian Mulhall, Joe Maher, Noel D’arcy, Aidan Murphy, Shane Kinsella (used), Brian Cadigan, Paddy Dowling, Luke Maher, Brendan Maher, Donal Shore, Eugene Maher, Jack Dowling, David Breen, Thomas Walsh, Ronan Maher.

Team Management: Charlie Carter, Richie McCarthy, Aidan Lawlor.

Referee: John Guinan

7th September 2013