Kavanagh to the fore in Blessington’s victory

JUNIOR ‘C’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

BLESSINGTON DONARD-THE GLEN 2-7 0-5

THE flags flew at half-mast in Blessington last Thursday evening and a minute’s silence observed in memory of clubman and former player, Willie Sargent, who passed away after a short illness the previous day.

A low-scoring first 15 minutes saw the Blues lead three points to two; Eoin Kavanagh, Adam Murphy and Keith Forde for Blessington, Donard-The Glen scorers being Daniel Furlong and a Tommy Dwyer free.

The decisive score of the first half was a goal after 19 minutes that came from a Blessington long ball forward, where Eoin Kavanagh got the flick on the bouncing ball to beat goalkeeper Colm Toomey.

Adam Murphy added a Blessington point from a free and Eddie Flynn did likewise for Donard-The Glen to leave the Blues leading 1-4 to three points at half-time. The Donard-The Glen defence were solid in that first half with stalwarts Brendan Daly and Michael Daly working hard, while at the other end, Oisin Brogan, Gareth Grogan and the Blues defence held Donard-The Glen to one score from play.

The second half saw Blessington dominate the scoring, while Donard-The Glen only managed two points from frees despite possession breaking almost 5050. Blues forward Eoin Kavanagh again picked up the decisive score of the second half, a goal after 16 minutes.

Donard-The Glen threw everything into the last ten minutes but lack of scoring power was their achilles heel, although Jonathan Daniels was needed to bring off a great stop in those final minutes.

Donard-The Glen will improve and be hard to beat in Donard as eventual 2019 Junior ‘C’ winners St Patrick’s learned last year, while the win should be a confidence booster to the Blessington third team.