Out-of-sorts St Pat’s blown off course
HOPES of a knockout spot for St Patrick’s in the SFC were dashed in the driving wind and rain as Na Fianna claimed the preliminary quarter-final spot following this, their first win of the campaign at Walterstown last Sunday.
Na Fianna must have created a little piece of history when qualifying with just one victory to the credit and that achievement is likely to raise eyebrows and calls for changes to the championship format.
This victory clinched a preliminary quarter-final against O’Mahonys in what will be a repeat of the 2015 decider. The Baconstown/ Enfield combination, who had just two draws from their four previous outings, edged out the Stamullen side on the head-to-head.
This long-awaited win was fully deserved, however, as they adapted much better to the conditions and found scores a little easier to come by throughout.
St Patrick’s were well short of their best, their play was disjointed at times and they lacked conviction in attack, with a number of point efforts falling into the grateful hands of Na Fianna keeper Shane Geraghty.
Christy Cosgrave had number 14 on his back, but he acted as an effective sweeper for Na Fianna for most of the hour, leaving Dean
Na Fianna St Patrick’s 1-11 1-7
Barrett and Barry Clancy in a twoman full forward line.
Barrett’s power and strength caused the St Patrick’s rearguard plenty of problems throughout the opening half, during which he contributed 1-2 as his side enjoyed a 1-8 to 1-3 cushion at the break.
The east Meath outfit closed the deficit to two points at one stage in the second half, but they failed to score in the final quarter.
Barrett and Conor Downey picked off quick-fire points before Neil O’Flaherty opened St Patrick’s account on four minutes. Na Fianna continued to set the early pace and had further points from Barry Slevin and Clancy.
St Patrick’s struck for a goal on 12 minutes, with O’Flaherty winning possession before Shane Dowling laid on an inch-perfect pass for Donal Landy who blasted to the roof of the net.
Na Fianna responded in fine style with points from the impressive Ethan Devine (‘45), Anthony Neary and Barrett. The south Meath side strengthened their grip when Barrett pounced to find the net after St Patrick’s keeper Robert Cluskey blocked, but failed to hold, a shot from Sean Martin.
Dan Queeney had Na Fianna’s opening score of the second half, but his side went 22 minutes without a score until Ethan Devine pointed on 55 minutes.
Shane Landy, Alan Vickers and Donal Landy all hit the target for St Patrick’s, while Niall Mooney’s had a goal attempt saved by keeper Geraghty. Sub Niall Whearty converted a free for St Patrick’s on 45 minutes, but that proved to be their last score.
They went in search of an equalising goal - which would have been sufficient to see them qualify - in the closing stages, before Queeney hit the insurance score in added time.
NA FIANNA: Shane Geraghty; John Baldwin, Dan Devine James Geagan; Anthony Neary 0-1, Michael Farley, Owen McDonnell; Ethan Devine 0-3 (1 ‘45’), Dan Queeney 0-2 (1f); Barry Slevin 0-1, Conor Downey 0-1, Sean Martin; Barry Clancy 0-1, Christopher Cosgrave, Dean Barrett 1-2. Sub: Damien Downey for Barrett (58). ST PATRICK’S: Robert Cluskey; David McQuillan, Kieran Lynch, David Stafford; Alan Vickers 0-1, Diarmuid Quinn, Adam Byrne; Shane Dowling, Barry Mooney; Shane Landy 0-1, Darren Hagan, Neil O’Flaherty 0-1; Padraig Nulty, Niall Mooney 0-2, Donal Landy 1-1. Subs: Niall Whearty 0-1f for Nulty (35), Michael McNulty for S Landy (54).
REF: Jack Gordon (Walterstown)