Breen hits six of the best for Irelands

YOUNG IRELANDS NA PIARSAIGH 0-13 0-12

SIX points from Johnny Breen helped the Young Irelands edge past local rivals Na Piarsaigh as they held on to fourth spot in Division Two.

Paul Mallon opened the scoring for Na Piarsaigh before the Young Irelands applied the pressure, scoring three points in succession thanks to a couple of scores from Johnny Breen and a long range effort from Dean Maguire.

The Young Irelands had a chance to open up a five point gap when they were awarded a penalty but Mark Savage saw his spot kick expertly saved by Paul O’Hare.

The half finished with a couple more scores from Dean Maguire and Johnny Breen before Na Piarsaigh hit back with a couple of scores from Alan McCartney to leave the half time scoreboard reading 0-7 to 0-3 in favour of the Young Irelands.

When the Young Irelands sent over the first point of the second half it looked bleak for Na Piarsaigh but suddenly they found form hitting five points in a row with Michael Woods and Alan McCartney causing all sorts of trouble to the Young Irelands defence.

With Na Piarsaigh a point up they were dealt a major blow when Gavin McGee was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The Young Irelands seized the initiative scoring two points in quick succession to reclaim the lead.

However, Na Piarsaigh reorganised their shape and were soon ahead again as Eamon McAuley and Robert Murphy scored for the visitors.

The Young Irelands began to take advantage of the space they were afforded with the extra man and it looked as though they had sealed victory as Aaron Rogers scored an excellent point after breaking up the field from defence.

Despite a last minute free from Na Piarsaigh which left just one point between the sides it was the Young Irelands who held out to record an important victory as they fight to stay in the play-off places.