Dunshaughlin 2-10
Senchalstown 2-12
The last day of Spring marked a very disappointing performance and result for Dunshaughlin in Round 6 of the Division 1 A League. Senchalstown, with Damien, Joe and Brian forming the spine of their team broke early from the traps and played some excellent, direct football in the early stages of the game. Brian Clarke led the charge up front and kicked some excellent points. It took the Dunshaughlin rear guard quite some time to get to grips with things.
The returning 42 year old David Tonge. playing at half forward, was a surprise to many Dunshaughlin followers, but the hard working half forward put in an excellent shift in the first half. When Dunshaughlin got going they played some excellent football with Niall ‘Goalsy’ Byrne finally living up to his nickname as he got on the end of an excellent team move to palm the ball to the net.
Dunshaughlin played without new Meath panelist and father of one Niall Murphy. Murphy was held back by Mick O’Dowd as the Meath team play a challenge today. His absence was missed all over the field by the home team. Midfielders John ‘The Pharmacist’ Crimmins and Ray Maloney, fresh from celebrating Castleknocks win over Oliver Plunketts in the Dublin SFC, started winning vital possession and this formed the platform for numerous attacks in the first half. Dunshaughlin grabbed their second goal before the break when Tadhg ‘Legs’ O’Dushlaine burst forward only to see his weak effort drop short and go into the net with the help of the Sheridanstown goalkeeper. O’Dushlaine tried to claim the goal but video analyst Declan Bannon chalked it down as an OG.
The second half will be one to forget for Dunshaughlin. Senchalstown were more efficient and economical on the ball. Dunshaughlin were slow and will rue some missed opportunities. Brian Clarke proved how valuable a free taker can be as he kicked some booming frees from all over the field. Niall Byrne and Trevor Dowd were proving a thorn in Senchalstown’s side but unfortunately Dunshaughlin couldn’t get the ball in enough times. Dunshaughlin suffered when Catercool employee Ray Maloney had to drop into full back to mark Brian Sheridan. Brian, proved a handful as big brother Joe fed him at every opportunity with some long drop kicks.
With some positional changes Dunshaughlin did tighten things up. Ronan Geraghty shored up the defence and Maloney went back to midfield with his penetrating runs leading to Dunshaughlin getting some good scores, but it proved too little too late. With championship around the corner Dunshaughlin will need to improve 100% if they are to beat Wolfe Tones on May 14th. May the Summer start better than the Spring ended.
On a positive note it was excellent to see number 1 supporter and club president Patsy McLoughlin parked up in pole position beside the new clubhouse cheering on his favourite team.
Dunshaughlin: Michael Ahern, Davy Dunne, Dan Ormbsy, Rambler Delaney, Danny Quinn (0-1), Ben Duggan, Tadhg ‘Legs’ O’Dushlaine, John Crimmins, Ray Maloney, David Tonge, Ronan Geraghty (0-2), Mark Devaney, Niall Byrne, (1-1) Shane Gallogly 0-2, Trevor Dowd 0-4
