The Melvin Gaels Junior team moved joint second in division 4 after claiming a comprehensive 3-12 to 0-6 victory away to Aughavas on Sunday last. Played in sweltering conditions, a blistering first half performance in which the travelling team hit 1-10 laid the foundations for the Gaels’ victory. Joe McGowan and Donal Clancy dominated the midfield exchanges in the first 30 minutes and were ably assisted by Blaine Mulligan and Anthony Tiffoney who between them hoovered up a lot of breaking ball in the middle third. This approach provided a generous supply of ball into a rampant forward line with Paul Simpson, Fergal Gallagher and Declan Roper, all in sparkling form.

Unsurprisingly both teams tired in the second half and neither side registered a score in the 3rd quarter. A speculative Joe McGowan strike form 40 yards which ended up in the Aughavas net finally broke the deadlock after 17 minutes. Shortly after substitute Shane Ryan put the result beyond question after he showed quick thinking in beating the home team’s keeper with a punched effort, not bad for his first ever game in the forward line! This was not the only first of the day, Keith McGloin made a very convincing debut for the juniors and the experienced Matt Connolly returned to the fray after a 4 year absence, welcome back Matt!

Thanks to all players, mentors and supporters who made the long trip and also a word of appreciation to Aughavas for providing refreshments at their excellent club facility.

Team and Scorers: Paul Rooney, Sean Kilkenny, Matthew McGloin, Dermot Clancy, Blaine Mulligan(c), Anthony Tiffoney (0-1), Patrick McGowan (0-1), Joe McGowan (1-1), Donal Clancy (0-1), Jonathan Connolly, Pat Kilkenny, Declan Roper (1-2), Paul Simpson (0-4), Fergal Gallagher (0-2), Keith McGloin.

Subs: Shane Ryan (1-0) for Jonathan Connolly, Bernard McGowan for Anthony Tiffoney, Matt Connolly for Sean Kilkenny, Peter O’Reilly for Pat Kilkenny.