Mooney makes a major impact for Pat’s
from 35 metres on 16 minutes.
Mooney was earlier presented with a goal chance but shot straight at keeper Robbie Butler. However, St Patrick’s dominated the half and were full value for their 0-7 to 0-2 lead at the break.
Centre Back Darren Hagan, Landy with his third, Mooney and Padraig Nulty accounted for the remaining points of the half.
The east Meath side seemed headed for a routine victory at that stage, but Blackhall had other ideas and John J Kelly kick-started a revival with two points within a minute of the restart.
Kelly added a third point after Whelan’s goal effort was blocked, before Alan Vickers opened St Patrick’s second-half account following a fine run from midfield.
Landy’s fourth point left it 0-9 to 0-5, but the deficit was cut to two following quick fire scores from Whelan (free) and Paul Kelly.
Despite the loss of Whelan, Blackhall continued on the comeback trail, with sub Dan O’Neill pointing before Dermot Carty drew the sides level.
Wing back Diarmuid Quinn restored the St Patrick’s lead, but again Blackhall hit back to equalise through Paul Kelly with three minutes of normal time remaining.
The game was finely balanced at that stage, but then Mooney came to his side’s rescue as he squeezed a ball low to the corner of the net after it had been worked across goal from a free out on the wing.
The sense of relief was palpable among the St Patrick’s contingent at the finish, though an infusion of fresh blood will be needed if they are to sustain their Senior status over the next few years.
ST PATRICK’S: Robert Cluskey; Adam Byrne, Kieran Lynch, Ciaran Sullivan; Shane Dowling, Darren Hagan 0-1, Diarmuid Quinn 0-1; Alan Vickers 0-1, Keith Whearty; Barry Mooney, Donal Landy 0-4, David Stafford; Padraig Nulty 0-1, Niall Mooney 1-3, Neil O’Flaherty. Subs: Niall Whearty 0-1 for Stafford (40), John Curtis for K Whearty (58), Johnny Woods for Nulty (60).
BLACKHALL GAELS: Robbie Butler; James Kelly, Hugh Smith, Dan Carty; Stephen Morris, Tom Murphy, Donnacha Healy; John Fagan, Donnacha Tobin; Kevin O’Keane, Dermot Carty 0-1, John J Kelly 0-3; Paul Kelly 0-2, Sean Whelan 0-3f, Colm McElligott. Subs: Dan O’Neill 0-1 for O’Keane (BC 6), Paddy O’Brien for Whelan (48).
REF: Joe Synnott (Donaghmore/Ash)