Champs off the mark

And while Bannow-Ballymitty never subsequently looked like inflicting a defeat on the titleholders, they still kept battling despite the concession of a third goal to Seán Ryan, who tucked the ball home after ’ keeper Murphy had excellently saved a Ken Cahill penalty.

This left them leading by 3-11 to 0-10 after 53 minutes.

An excellent Conor Neville goal with six minutes remaining put life back into Bannow-Ballymitty, with substitute Adam Cullen adding a further goal one minute later, along with a Niall Harney pointed free which left just three points (3-11 to 2-11) separating the sides.

However, Gusserane finished the game with scores from a Mark Rossiter free and Ken Cahill to take the two points.

REIGNING SENIOR football champions Gusserane got their league campaign off to a winning start with an impressive five-point victory over Bannow-Ballymitty in this All-County League Division 1B game in Gusserane on Saturday. Despite the early-season...