Mixed afternoon for northern teams in intermediate football championship
Seán Trundle and his St. Brigid's team-mates enjoyed a big win against St. Michael's in Kilmore on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
It was a mixed afternoon for teams from north of the county against their southern counterparts in the only two games played in the intermediate football championship on Sunday afternoon.
While St. Michael’s were taught a lesson by St. Brigid’s, Shannon Gaels were far too good for Pádraig Pearses in Croghan.
Brigid’s were always dominant against last year’s Junior A champions in Kilmore. Ian O’Rourke’s first-half goal gave the Kiltoom-based side a 1-6 to 0-4 lead at the interval.
Michael’s came to life in the early stages of the second half, but Ronan Cox and Alan O’Hara missed two goal chances, with St. Brigid’s goalkeeper Evan Gallagher making smart saves, although there was the consolation of a point for Michael’s from Cox’s chance.
Ultimately, those misses would prove crucial as the excellent Jimmy Curley fired home a second goal soon afterwards, and Cathal Dolan put the icing on the cake with a third goal in injury time as Brigid's prevailed by 3-10 to 0-8.
Michael’s chances of progression from the group now hang by a thread, given their worrying scoring difference after two games. They must beat neighbours Kilmore in their final match and hope that results go their way elsewhere.
In Croghan, Shannon Gaels always had the measure of Pádraig Pearses as they romped to a 2-11 to 0-4 victory to reach the quarter-finals.
The home side didn’t score in the first 13 minutes but then proceeded to hit seven points on the bounce as Cian Harmon (2), Matthew Bourke (3), Nikita Berzins, and Hugh Molloy found the target.
Paul Kelly opened Pearses’ account in first-half injury time as they trailed by 0-7 to 0-1 at the break.
The game’s trajectory wasn’t altered in the second half as Bourke and Lee Taylor hit early scores for Shannon Gaels who went on score a couple of goals in the final ten minutes from Matthew Bourke and Cian Harmon.
Pádraig Pearses now meet Kilbride, who are also pointless, in their final game to see who remains in contention for the knockout stages, while the top of Group A will be up for grabs when Shannon Gaels tackle neighbours Elphin.
