Superb Naomh Mairtin send out big statement

The Mairtins had the wind in the first half, enjoyed the better off the opening changes and led by 0-5 to 0-1 after 11 minutes - but then didn’t score for nearly 15 minutes.

The visitors grew into the game and they scored 1-3 in the space of five minutes with the help of a Jason Woods goal, but the Mairtins showed their mettle and John Clutterbuck scored a cracking three-pointer to help his team lead by 1-7 to 1-6 at the break.

The hosts made a blistering start to the second half as they tagged on six points, with Sam Mulroy’s free-taking proving very productive for his side.

Although the Pats struck back with a goal from Eoin O’Connor to give themselves hope, the Monasterboice men continued to find their range to maintain the advantage.

Jason Woods grabbed a third goal for the visitors seven minutes from time, but there was to be no denying the Mairtins who deservedly held out for victory. NH MAIRTIN: Jamie Mulholland; Paul Berrill, Thomas Sullivan, Jack McCarville; Padraig McDonagh, Benny Reilly, John Clutterbuck 1-1; Val Leddy, Sam Mulroy 0-7 (6f); Stephen Campbell 0-3, JP Rooney 0-3, Conor Healy; Craig Lynch 0-1, Brian Berrill, Conor Whelan 0-3 (1f). Subs: Alan Downey for T Sullivan, Paddy Usher 0-1 for J Mulholland, Eamon McQuillan for B Berrill. ST PATRICK’S: Rory Duffy; Daniel Rice, Dessie Finnegan, Darren O’Hanlon; Kevin White, Kevin Toner, Ross Murphy; Paddy Keenan 0-3, Thomas McCann; Eoghan Lafferty 0-1, Eoin O’Connor 1-2, Aidan McCann 0-3; Jason Woods 2-0, Evan White, Conor Grogan. Subs: Patrick Kirk, Alan O Connor, Sean McGeough.