Plunkett’s hit form to secure status

O Plunkett’s Dundalk YI 2-14 0-7

OLIVER Plunkett’s left their best championship performance for the relegation play-off against Dundalk Young Irelands as they completed a straightward 13-point victory at the John Mitchel’s pitch in ideal conditions on Sunday morning.

The Dundalk side got off the mark first and in the early exchanges there was not much between the sides. However, Plunkett’s took control mid-way through the half and it was the younger lads from the Drogheda side that impressed most, with points coming from Cian Brady and Sean Rice.

Irelands were playing very deep in defence and that allowed Sean Brassil and the Matthews brothers to sweep up a lot a ball, but at half-time the outcome was still very much in the balance, with the Plunkett’s ahead on a 0-7 to 0-4 scoreline.

The start of the second half really determined the game as the Dundalk side missed three easy scores for points and had a great goal opportunity, only to be denied by a great save from Plunkett’s goalie Luke Haggins.

The Drogheda men took over after that and knocked over five points without reply before Cian Brady hit the net with a great goal.

To their credit the Irelands kept plugging away and got three points of their own. However, the game was killed off as a contest when Dave McTaggart clinically dispatched to the goals after a lovely lay-off from Walsh to ensure the Plunkett’s will remain in the Intermediate grade.

Young Irelands now have one final chance to save their status and they await to see the outcome of the second relegation play-off between St Fechin’s and Na Piarsaigh next weekend, with the Irelands facing the losers of that match.

OLIVER PLUNKETT’S: L Haggins, C Matthews, F Daly, B Reynolds, Cian Matthews, Sean Brassil, Gary Keogh, Robbie Brodigan, Conor Early, David Lambe, E Kelleher, N Murtagh, C Brady, T Walsh, S Rice. Subs: K Keogh, D McTaggart, A Morgan, A O’hEochaidh.

DUNDALK YOUNG IRELANDS: Fergal Sheekey; Jason Mulligan, Peter McCourt, Robbie Farrell; Peter Flynn, Peter Nixon, Shane O’Connell; Andrew Nixon, Kevin Keelan; Dermot Mone, Dean Maguire, Aidan Sheekey; Johnny Lynch, Sean McLaughlin, Simon Flynn. Sub: Alan Flood for Flynn.

•MATTOCK Rangers boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Division 1 FL when they defeated Cooley Kickhams 2-11 to 1-12 in a back match at the weekend. The Peninsula side now find themselves in trouble towards the bottom of the table.