AFL DIV. 1 ROUNDUP – 18TH FEBRUARY
ADULT FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP: FEBRUARY 18
By Daire Walsh
Ballyboden St Enda’s issued a serious statement of intent on Sunday morning at Pairc Ui Murchu, where they recorded an emphatic 3-12 to 0-9 victory over Ballymun Kickhams in the opening round of the new Adult Football League Division One.
Under the guidance of current Meath supremo Andy McEntee, Ballyboden secured the top-flight crown in 2016. They were eager to lay down marker in Anthony Rainbow’s first competitive fixture as manager of the southside club, and they settled immediately with a well-worked point from Ross McGarry.
‘Boden were missing county star Colm Basquel through injury, but his brother Ryan stepped up to the plate in his absence. His 0-2 salvo preceded an excellent effort by marauding wing-back Darren O’Reilly, before Ballymun finally opened their account courtesy of a Dean Rock free.
However, James Madden subsequently registered the opening goal of the game at the end of the first-quarter and Ryan Basquel also found the back of the ‘Mun net.
A purple patch by the visitors produced points from Dean Rock (three) and Paddy Small, but after Declan O’Mahony added his name to the scoresheet, Ballyboden brought a 2-7 to 0-5 lead into the interval.
With Michael Darragh MacAuley introduced for the beginning of the second half, it was expected that the hosts would continue to push forward. Indeed, when former Dublin hurler Simon Lambert raised a green flag on the stroke of 40 minutes, it effectively placed the final outcome beyond doubt.
Rock’s accuracy from placed-balls (he kicked six frees in total) helped ‘Mun to eat into their deficit, only for full-back Cathal Flaherty, Ryan Basquel and Barra McGarry to re-establish ‘Boden’s superiority on the day.
They will be back in action on Sunday week against Kilmacud Crokes, who played out an entertaining draw with St Brigid’s at Russell Park (1-9 apiece). The Glenalbyn men are seeking to defend their league crown in 2018.
However, following unanswered scores by Paddy Andrews, Colly Carr and Lorcan McCarthy, they were four points in front (0-6 to 0-2) after 25 minutes of play. Crokes remained in contention towards the break, in what was Robbie Brennan and Johnny Magee’s first outing as joint-managers.
They received a lifeline in form of a goal at the tail end of the opening half, but there was enough time for McCarthy to edge Brigid’s into a 0-7 to 1-3 interval cushion. With Jack Mullins keeping close tabs on Paul Mannion, Crokes were reliant on the dead-ball prowess of Mark Vaughan when the action resumed.
The former county star gave the visitors a slender advantage, but this was soon wiped out by Philly Ryan’s expertly-converted penalty. Crokes refused to throw in the towel, though, and they ultimately shared the spoils with their Navan Road counterparts.
Kevin McManamon played a starring role for St Jude’s in their 0-17 to 2-5 success over Na Fianna at Tymon North on the same day. Their Mobhi Road opponents opened up an early four-point lead (1-1 to 0-0), but with Ciaran Fitzgerald and Niall O’Shea delivering strong defensive displays, Jude’s soon settled into a familiar rhythm.
Cork’s Niall Coakley, McManamon and Ronan Joyce all found the range, as the home team held a 0-9 to 1-2 advantage at the midway point in the contest. Another scoring burst after the restart breathed fresh life into the Na Fianna challenge, before six points in succession afforded Jude’s some much-needed breathing space – and a pathway to a commanding triumph.
Elsewhere, a Ciaran Kilkenny goal was decisive in Castleknock’s 1-15 to 0-15 win at the expense of Naomh Olaf at Somerton Park. Thomas Davis (0-14) and Ballinteer St John’s (2-8) played out a stalemate at Kiltipper Road, while Lucan Sarsfields had five points to spare (0-11 to 0-6) against Cuala at Hyde Park.
It was also a positive start to the league for St Vincent’s and St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh, who enjoyed respective victories over St Sylvester’s (3-10 to 0-14) and Naomh Maur (2-12 to 1-11).