Balllinahinch 2-13 Drom & Inch 0-16.

in Templederry, by Marguerite Ryan.

The first round of the Intermediate county championship commenced over the weekend with meeting of Ballinahinch and Drom & Inch in Templederry on Saturdayevening. 

Opportunity beckoned first for Drom & Inch but Shane Hassett’ shot narrowly went wide. Ballinahinch were to the fore over the next period with scoring commencing with a free from Paddy Kelly and converted 65’ from Shane McGrath. Regaining possession, Drom & Inch shot on goal through John Kennedy which was knocked outfor 65’.After the puck out from a Drom & Inch attack Ballinahinch worked the ball into the full forward line with Ger Griffin and David Ryan combining for Ballinahinch’s first goal. 

Drom & Inch came to life after this as for the remainder of the half they upped their game putting the pressure on, Kevin Aherne and Shane Hassett retrieving the benefits of their work with a point each from play. Michael Everard was on target with the free taking with four points from frees and one from play after intercepting a puck out. This left Drom & Inch ahead by two points at the half time break 0-09 to 1-04.

The intensity of the game lifted for the second half with both sides exchanging scores in the minutes of the restart, with Paddy Kelly and Shane McGrath on target again for Ballinahinch and Joe Egan adding to Drom & Inch’s tally. After ten minutes Ballinahinch pulled ahead again through a second David Ryan goal. Paddy Kennedy regained possession for Drom & Inch at full forward with his effort pointed leaving one point the gap.

Ballinahinch were not deterred and added to their lead with scores from Brendan Ryan, Alan Kelly and Paddy Kelly. Drom & Inch kept in touch with efforts from Michael Everard converted frees and a point from play by Brendan Larkin. Drom & Inch pushed hard in the final minutes with efforts from James Ryan and Brendan Larkin they could not make up the gap as the second Ballinahinch goal the difference between the sides at the final whistle. 

Ballinahinch: Cormac McGrath, Michael Fitzgerald, Thomas Grace, Marcus Ryan, John Ryan, Shane McGrath, Michael Lynch, Kevin Mulcahy, Paddy Kelly, Darragh McGrath, John Foley, Mark Kelly, Ger Griffin, Alan Kelly, David Ryan. Subs: Brendan Ryan for Ger Griffin; Kevin Fitzpatrick for Mark Kelly. Unused Subs: Cathal Ryan, James O'Connor, James Healy, Ross Healy, John O'Grady, Raphael Ryan, Sean Sheehy, Sean Berkery, Bernard Ryan, Shane Fitzgerald.

Drom & Inch: Paul Connors, Michael Purcell, Matthew McGrath, Matthew Buckley, James Ryan, Martin McGrath, Kevin Aherne, Eric Woodlock, Philip Looby, Michael Everard, Joe Egan, John Kennedy, Shane Hassett, Paddy Kennedy, Robbie Long. Subs: Tommy Nolan and Brendan Larkin

Drom & Inch: Michael Everard 0-08 (6 f, 1 65’); Paddy Kennedy, Joe Egan and Shane Hassett 0-02 each ; Kevin Aherne and Brendan Larkin 0-01 each.

Referee: Phil Ryan