Classy Clans prove too hot for Geraldines

CLAN NA GAEL 3-10 GERALDINES 1-13

CLAN na Gael registered their first win of the Division 1 season when they edged a tight contest against the Geraldines at Haggardstown.

The home side turned in a much improved display from their opening round defeat to Newtown Blues but in the end it wasn’t enough as the Clans came out on top with the help of a second half goal from Conall McKeever.

The Dundalk men were boosted by the performance that saw them grab a share of the spoils against St Patricks the previous week and that confidence was evident in the early stages.

Goals from McKeever and Jason Cullen in the opening quarter had the visitors in a strong position but the Geraldines responded in impressive fashion and a goal from Paddy Hoey and points from Conor Rafferty helped them cut the gap to just 2-5 to 1-7 at the break.

The game remained in the balance throughout the second half and both teams had chances to get on top. However, it was the Clans who proved to be that little bit stronger and McKeever’s second goal along with points from Mark McGeown, JJ Quigley and Robbie Curran saw them claim a three-point victory. The Geraldines cause wasn’t helped by the dismissal of Conor Rafferty in the second half.

CLAN NA GAEL: Sean Smith; Kevin Carroll, Donal Boyle, Tiarnan Reilly; Paul Crewe, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Micheal McDonnell 0–1; Ray McCabe, Robbie Curran 0–5; Conall McKeever 2-1, Mark McGeown 0–1, Conor Noonan; Jason Cullen 1–1, JJ Quigley 0–1, Paul Gore. Subs: John Byrne for T Reilly, Craig Long for K Carroll.

GERALDINES: Sean McEneaney; Sean Watters, Jack Traynor, Paul Clarke; Gareth Neacy, Shaun Callan, Kevin Pepper; Patrick Hoey 1-0, Matthew Corcoran 0-3; Sean Thornton, Conor Rafferty 0-3, Shane Rogers; Patrick Geoghegan 0-6, Michael Rogers, Glen Trainor. Subs: Killian Dempsey for S Thornton, Sean Thornton for P Clarke, Des Reenan 0-1 for M Clarke.