Kiernan Cup encounter

TOURLESTRANE played host to Coolaney/ Mullinabreena in the Kiernan Cup on Saturday evening. In a hard- hitting game, both sides showed good passages of play, along with some very well taken scores. Tourlestrane started the game well, Pat Harte opening the scoring with a first minute free. Both sides battled for possession, trying to break through for the games second score, which came from Alan Dunne, after a good save from Mullinabreena keeper Cathal Finan. Tourlestrane added four more points, including an outrageous score from Kenny Gavigan, outside of the left foot along the 45 yard line. Alan Dunne added to his point soon after this, with a beautifully taken goal, nestling in the top right corner. After an impressive opening 15 minutes, Tourlestrane could only add one more point to their previous 1- 6, as Mullinabreena began to claw their way back into the game. Nathan Mullen played an important role at centre half back, which was a strong contribution to their scoring in the last ten minutes of the half. Points from Kieran Finan, Shane O’Brien and Niall Connolly shortened Tourlestrane’s lead. Half time score, Tourlestrane 1- 7 Coolaney/ Mullinabreena 0- 6 Having somewhat fallen asleep towards the end of the first half, Gerry McGowan and Eamonn O’Hara’s side had to go up a gear. Gavigan picked out Harte with a long range pass, as Harte struck a cool finish to give Tourlestrane their second goal of the evening. This goal was added to by points from Shane Dunne and captain James Leonard, building a 9 point lead. After impressive defending, Mullinabreena scored four points on the bounce, two each from Mullen and Finan. Finan slotted home a penalty, bringing the game back to five points but this was their last score, Tourlestane winning by 2- 15 to 1- 11.