Billies hit ground running

It was an interception by the former and a pin point pass to Philip Coogan which set up the second goal for the Billies. Coogan’s run into the heart of the Barndarrig defence resulted in a quick offload to Kieran Whelan who duly obliged with the finish into the top corner.

It must be noted that there was slight breeze favouring Ballymanus in the opening half and a number of efforts from Barndarrig did drop short of the Ballymanus goal and one such effort resulted in a perfectly struck 45 by Martin Cullen whose kick was still rising by the time it crossed the post.

A Michael Murphy free shortly afterwards gave Barndarrig something to push on from going into half time where they trailed 2-3 to 0-3 after a final point for the Billies at the half from Padraig Byrne.

The Billies again set the tempo for the half with a point from midfielder Darragh O’Keefe in the opening minute. From the corresponding kickout, the Billies again gained possession and a misfired shot from Kevin Byrne dropped dangerously into the goal mouth allowing Padraig Byrne fist to the net.

When Byrne wasn’t kicking garryowens into the clouds, he was well able to spray ball around the park and one such pass found Liam Byrne who slotted over.

The earlier disputed point for Ballymanus was cancelled out shortly after in a rapid fire start to the half with a score from Michael Murphy disputed on both sides but given by the referee.

Lynch and Padraig Byrne continued to link up well with Byrne dropping out looking for ball and chipping in with another point for his troubles.

Barndarrig’s Jaques McCall also showed his young promise with two wonderful scores into the Askinagap end after quick thinking from Michael Murphy spotting the young forward in space.

Michael Murphy added another free for Barndarrig who looked like they were starting a second half revival at this stage.

Unfortunately for them and the four neutrals on the sideline, this was shortlived.

Lynch again being a pest stormed down the sideline and dropped a shot into the goal area where Kevin Byrne’s fisted effort was dramatically stopped by Keith Bradshaw on the line but Padraig Byrne was lurking to fist to the net again.

From the kickout, Darragh O’Keefe caught a mark and played in Philip Coogan who fired over Kevin Cullen’s goal. Michael Murphy added another free for Barndarrig before McCall again was on hand to gather a block by Glenn Farrar to fire over a third of the day for himself.

The Billies closed with a point from Paddy Byrne after an interception from Padraig Byrne.