Yesterday’s division 3 game for Mearnog’s away to St Peregrines if anything taught us the gulf in class between both teams. A windy but dry morning, not many people would have predicted what was going to unfold in front of us. From the moment the referee David Sweeney threw the ball in, it was clear that the Mearnog boys were up for the challenge. Mearnog’s half forward Shane Nangle opened proceedings with a cracker from the right hand touchline. Henry shefflin would have been proud of that one! That was quickly followed up by a Naomh Mearnog win in the half back line, Cian Hendericken doing the clear out work and finding Chris O’ Sullivan who split the uprights from distance. St Peregrines we’re struggling in the opening minutes to get motoring and eventually restored moral briefly with a converted free from full forward Cillian Byrne. Following a couple of ill disciplined moments in the Peregrines half back line, midfielder Liam Mullin converted his opening free before Mearnog’s Shane Warren got in on the act with a sublime score over his left shoulder. At this stage Mearnog’s were dominating in every sector of the field . Anytime Peregrines penetrated the Mearnog’s midfield, corner backs Tom Cosgrove and Mark O’ Callaghan we’re getting on a world of ball . Let’s not forget these two lads are only out of minor and will be sitting their Leaving cert exams in June. Their performances were very eye catching and they certainly stood up to the task well throughout. From the 15th to the 25th minute of the first half Mearnog’s really started to impose themselves on this game. The frustrations were evident in the Peregrines lads and as a result persistent fouling lead to numerous frees being given. Liam Mullin was in no mood to miss and took full advantage adding 3 frees on the trot, before good work by Mearnog’s no 11 Diarmuid Keevney lead to a phenomenal catch by Nangle who floated over another leaving Mearnog’s well up 0-8 to 0-1. Try as they may, Peregrines offered little in attack. Their was a lack of cohesion up front and you could tell that a lot of that was down to the work-rate of the Mearnog full back line, which included Niall Cafferky. The Wexford native commanding the square when required. No 12 for Peregrines Eoin Gleeson tried his utmost to weather the Mearnog’s onslaught, but it was to no avail. Coming up to half time the boys in black and amber really put the boot down with a couple of Liam Mullin frees being followed up by a superb point from play . No 10 Shane Nangle got his 3rd point of the half and with that the teams went in at half time with Mearnog’s well out in front on a scoreline of 0-15 0-1. In advance of the 2nd period, supporters alike would have being wondering if the Portmarnock boys could keep this going. Alas we would soon be given an answer. As the 2nd half unfolded more and more gaps appeared in the Peregrines defence which Mearnog’s exploited. Chris Farrelly was called from the bench replacing corner forward Shane Warren. He had an instant hand in the opening goal, orchestrating a lovely pass to Shane Nangle who finished with a plum. At this stage unfortunately for Peregrines it was a case of how much. Naomh Mearnog kept the scoreboard ticking over with Mullin once again as accurate as ever from places balls and tagging on one from play. Farrelly the half time sub also showed some sheer class, driving over an angled shot leaving the score 1-19 to Peregrines bare 0-1, with 40 minutes on the clock. Ross Hayden was soon introduced for the efficient and experienced Gar O’ Driscoll. No 14 Mark Phelan then caught a fine ball near the touchline, gliding it straight between the posts. It was one of the scores of the game. Players winning their own ball is a dying art in the modern game and it is what many people come to see. Soon after there was more compounding damage put on Peregrines. Chris O’ Sullivan got on a loose ball and batted to the back of the net, following a fine save by Peregrines keeper Fiachra Byrne. Mearnogs really were determined not to let up and found their 3rd goal after 51 minutes through Mark Phelan. No 8 Cian O’ Daly doing the donkey work in the build up. At this stage it was ultimately damaged limitations for Peregrines, who to their credit stayed fighting to the very end. One can only have respect for them under tough circumstances. Midfielder David Carroll landed their first score of the half and between 2 Mearnog scores a 3rd point came through centre half forward Brian Kelleher. However Liam Mullin once again had the final say with a late free on the left wing leaving the full time score a comprehensive 3-24 to 0-3 win in favor of Naomh Mearnog. After a battling draw at home to Setanta on the opening weekend of league action, this win will have pleased manager Gary Deloughrey. The tactics worked to the strength of the team with Goalkeeper Bobby Smith and centre half back Niall Feeney delivering ball to the wings on many occasions. The fitness levels between the 2 teams was telling from minute one and if Mearnog’s can build on this performance there is no doubt they can push for promotion to Division 2. With Championship around the corner too, it is great to see the balance of youth and experience in this team. Liam Mullin gave a masterful exhibition, with a total of 14 points. His free-taking was flawless aswell as his work-rate on and off the ball for his teammates. No 5 Arthur Creane had the door firmly shut at the back. On many occasions he drove forward and cleared a world of ball. It was more about the team as a whole rather than individuals and with the likes of Shane Kavanagh and Tommy Kinnane to come back to the fold, this team is capable of bringing home silverware in the not to distant future. And with that Naomh Mearnog are the team to beat in Division 3. St Maur’s are in waiting next.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Dublin Division 3 Hurling League Blog
Sunday March 9th 2020. Dublin Division 3 Hurling League: Naomh Mearnog vs St Peregrines
Yesterday’s division 3 game for Mearnog’s away to St Peregrines if anything taught us the gulf in class between both teams. A windy but dry morning, not many people would have predicted what was going to unfold in front of us. From the moment the referee David Sweeney threw the ball in, it was clear that the Mearnog boys were up for the challenge. Mearnog’s half forward Shane Nangle opened proceedings with a cracker from the right hand touchline. Henry shefflin would have been proud of that one! That was quickly followed up by a Naomh Mearnog win in the half back line, Cian Hendericken doing the clear out work and finding Chris O’ Sullivan who split the uprights from distance. St Peregrines we’re struggling in the opening minutes to get motoring and eventually restored moral briefly with a converted free from full forward Cillian Byrne. Following a couple of ill disciplined moments in the Peregrines half back line, midfielder Liam Mullin converted his opening free before Mearnog’s Shane Warren got in on the act with a sublime score over his left shoulder. At this stage Mearnog’s were dominating in every sector of the field . Anytime Peregrines penetrated the Mearnog’s midfield, corner backs Tom Cosgrove and Mark O’ Callaghan we’re getting on a world of ball . Let’s not forget these two lads are only out of minor and will be sitting their Leaving cert exams in June. Their performances were very eye catching and they certainly stood up to the task well throughout. From the 15th to the 25th minute of the first half Mearnog’s really started to impose themselves on this game. The frustrations were evident in the Peregrines lads and as a result persistent fouling lead to numerous frees being given. Liam Mullin was in no mood to miss and took full advantage adding 3 frees on the trot, before good work by Mearnog’s no 11 Diarmuid Keevney lead to a phenomenal catch by Nangle who floated over another leaving Mearnog’s well up 0-8 to 0-1. Try as they may, Peregrines offered little in attack. Their was a lack of cohesion up front and you could tell that a lot of that was down to the work-rate of the Mearnog full back line, which included Niall Cafferky. The Wexford native commanding the square when required. No 12 for Peregrines Eoin Gleeson tried his utmost to weather the Mearnog’s onslaught, but it was to no avail. Coming up to half time the boys in black and amber really put the boot down with a couple of Liam Mullin frees being followed up by a superb point from play . No 10 Shane Nangle got his 3rd point of the half and with that the teams went in at half time with Mearnog’s well out in front on a scoreline of 0-15 0-1. In advance of the 2nd period, supporters alike would have being wondering if the Portmarnock boys could keep this going. Alas we would soon be given an answer. As the 2nd half unfolded more and more gaps appeared in the Peregrines defence which Mearnog’s exploited. Chris Farrelly was called from the bench replacing corner forward Shane Warren. He had an instant hand in the opening goal, orchestrating a lovely pass to Shane Nangle who finished with a plum. At this stage unfortunately for Peregrines it was a case of how much. Naomh Mearnog kept the scoreboard ticking over with Mullin once again as accurate as ever from places balls and tagging on one from play. Farrelly the half time sub also showed some sheer class, driving over an angled shot leaving the score 1-19 to Peregrines bare 0-1, with 40 minutes on the clock. Ross Hayden was soon introduced for the efficient and experienced Gar O’ Driscoll. No 14 Mark Phelan then caught a fine ball near the touchline, gliding it straight between the posts. It was one of the scores of the game. Players winning their own ball is a dying art in the modern game and it is what many people come to see. Soon after there was more compounding damage put on Peregrines. Chris O’ Sullivan got on a loose ball and batted to the back of the net, following a fine save by Peregrines keeper Fiachra Byrne. Mearnogs really were determined not to let up and found their 3rd goal after 51 minutes through Mark Phelan. No 8 Cian O’ Daly doing the donkey work in the build up. At this stage it was ultimately damaged limitations for Peregrines, who to their credit stayed fighting to the very end. One can only have respect for them under tough circumstances. Midfielder David Carroll landed their first score of the half and between 2 Mearnog scores a 3rd point came through centre half forward Brian Kelleher. However Liam Mullin once again had the final say with a late free on the left wing leaving the full time score a comprehensive 3-24 to 0-3 win in favor of Naomh Mearnog. After a battling draw at home to Setanta on the opening weekend of league action, this win will have pleased manager Gary Deloughrey. The tactics worked to the strength of the team with Goalkeeper Bobby Smith and centre half back Niall Feeney delivering ball to the wings on many occasions. The fitness levels between the 2 teams was telling from minute one and if Mearnog’s can build on this performance there is no doubt they can push for promotion to Division 2. With Championship around the corner too, it is great to see the balance of youth and experience in this team. Liam Mullin gave a masterful exhibition, with a total of 14 points. His free-taking was flawless aswell as his work-rate on and off the ball for his teammates. No 5 Arthur Creane had the door firmly shut at the back. On many occasions he drove forward and cleared a world of ball. It was more about the team as a whole rather than individuals and with the likes of Shane Kavanagh and Tommy Kinnane to come back to the fold, this team is capable of bringing home silverware in the not to distant future. And with that Naomh Mearnog are the team to beat in Division 3. St Maur’s are in waiting next.
Yesterday’s division 3 game for Mearnog’s away to St Peregrines if anything taught us the gulf in class between both teams. A windy but dry morning, not many people would have predicted what was going to unfold in front of us. From the moment the referee David Sweeney threw the ball in, it was clear that the Mearnog boys were up for the challenge. Mearnog’s half forward Shane Nangle opened proceedings with a cracker from the right hand touchline. Henry shefflin would have been proud of that one! That was quickly followed up by a Naomh Mearnog win in the half back line, Cian Hendericken doing the clear out work and finding Chris O’ Sullivan who split the uprights from distance. St Peregrines we’re struggling in the opening minutes to get motoring and eventually restored moral briefly with a converted free from full forward Cillian Byrne. Following a couple of ill disciplined moments in the Peregrines half back line, midfielder Liam Mullin converted his opening free before Mearnog’s Shane Warren got in on the act with a sublime score over his left shoulder. At this stage Mearnog’s were dominating in every sector of the field . Anytime Peregrines penetrated the Mearnog’s midfield, corner backs Tom Cosgrove and Mark O’ Callaghan we’re getting on a world of ball . Let’s not forget these two lads are only out of minor and will be sitting their Leaving cert exams in June. Their performances were very eye catching and they certainly stood up to the task well throughout. From the 15th to the 25th minute of the first half Mearnog’s really started to impose themselves on this game. The frustrations were evident in the Peregrines lads and as a result persistent fouling lead to numerous frees being given. Liam Mullin was in no mood to miss and took full advantage adding 3 frees on the trot, before good work by Mearnog’s no 11 Diarmuid Keevney lead to a phenomenal catch by Nangle who floated over another leaving Mearnog’s well up 0-8 to 0-1. Try as they may, Peregrines offered little in attack. Their was a lack of cohesion up front and you could tell that a lot of that was down to the work-rate of the Mearnog full back line, which included Niall Cafferky. The Wexford native commanding the square when required. No 12 for Peregrines Eoin Gleeson tried his utmost to weather the Mearnog’s onslaught, but it was to no avail. Coming up to half time the boys in black and amber really put the boot down with a couple of Liam Mullin frees being followed up by a superb point from play . No 10 Shane Nangle got his 3rd point of the half and with that the teams went in at half time with Mearnog’s well out in front on a scoreline of 0-15 0-1. In advance of the 2nd period, supporters alike would have being wondering if the Portmarnock boys could keep this going. Alas we would soon be given an answer. As the 2nd half unfolded more and more gaps appeared in the Peregrines defence which Mearnog’s exploited. Chris Farrelly was called from the bench replacing corner forward Shane Warren. He had an instant hand in the opening goal, orchestrating a lovely pass to Shane Nangle who finished with a plum. At this stage unfortunately for Peregrines it was a case of how much. Naomh Mearnog kept the scoreboard ticking over with Mullin once again as accurate as ever from places balls and tagging on one from play. Farrelly the half time sub also showed some sheer class, driving over an angled shot leaving the score 1-19 to Peregrines bare 0-1, with 40 minutes on the clock. Ross Hayden was soon introduced for the efficient and experienced Gar O’ Driscoll. No 14 Mark Phelan then caught a fine ball near the touchline, gliding it straight between the posts. It was one of the scores of the game. Players winning their own ball is a dying art in the modern game and it is what many people come to see. Soon after there was more compounding damage put on Peregrines. Chris O’ Sullivan got on a loose ball and batted to the back of the net, following a fine save by Peregrines keeper Fiachra Byrne. Mearnogs really were determined not to let up and found their 3rd goal after 51 minutes through Mark Phelan. No 8 Cian O’ Daly doing the donkey work in the build up. At this stage it was ultimately damaged limitations for Peregrines, who to their credit stayed fighting to the very end. One can only have respect for them under tough circumstances. Midfielder David Carroll landed their first score of the half and between 2 Mearnog scores a 3rd point came through centre half forward Brian Kelleher. However Liam Mullin once again had the final say with a late free on the left wing leaving the full time score a comprehensive 3-24 to 0-3 win in favor of Naomh Mearnog. After a battling draw at home to Setanta on the opening weekend of league action, this win will have pleased manager Gary Deloughrey. The tactics worked to the strength of the team with Goalkeeper Bobby Smith and centre half back Niall Feeney delivering ball to the wings on many occasions. The fitness levels between the 2 teams was telling from minute one and if Mearnog’s can build on this performance there is no doubt they can push for promotion to Division 2. With Championship around the corner too, it is great to see the balance of youth and experience in this team. Liam Mullin gave a masterful exhibition, with a total of 14 points. His free-taking was flawless aswell as his work-rate on and off the ball for his teammates. No 5 Arthur Creane had the door firmly shut at the back. On many occasions he drove forward and cleared a world of ball. It was more about the team as a whole rather than individuals and with the likes of Shane Kavanagh and Tommy Kinnane to come back to the fold, this team is capable of bringing home silverware in the not to distant future. And with that Naomh Mearnog are the team to beat in Division 3. St Maur’s are in waiting next.
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Well done Steve
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