Tir Chonaill Gaels 4-10
Parnells 0-12
PARNELLS appear to be a team headed in the right direction, but Tir Chonaill Gaels showed them the distance they still have to travel during an interesting Cara Stationery Division One clash at the Emerald GAA Grounds on Saturday afternoon.
Ultimately TCG's mixture of character and craft proved decisive as they dealt with Parnells passion after the restart. Parnells had been admirably efficient initially scoring nine out of 11 opportunities before the break, but they weren't able to maintain such impressive figures when TCG got men behind the ball and broke at speed in the third quarter.
That was when the real damage was done as marksman Adrian O'Hanlon completed his hat-trick with a couple of goals. From then until the finish all that needed to be determined was TCG's margin of victory which was a surprise considering how smartly Parnells started.
Having impressed in the opening rounds of the Danny Sullivan Championship Parnells were anxious to test themselves against the standard bearers.
There was so much to admire about the enthusiastic manner Parnells competed from the first whistle. Despite the concession of two first quarter goals Parnells still went in ahead at half-time.
That was chiefly down to an accomplished place kicking display from Jarlath Branagan, who was cool and clinical converting from the deck.
Elsewhere Martin Carroll put in a powerful shift at centrefield, while Dominic Gallagher and Sean O'Donnell, were always willing and able to lend assistance. TCG always carried a threat, though, as Ashley Carr buzzed about in attack reminding Parnells of his skill.
A gorgeous Liam Gavigan effort and a 10th minute O'Hanlon penalty had TCG 2-0 to 0-2 in front, but Parnells hit seven of the next nine points to lead at the interval. Branagan's stylish kicking was effective, but TCG dictated the tempo when the action recommenced.
Gavigan exerted a considerable influence, while centre forward Adam Askin knitted the play in a tidy fashion too. TCG were able to feed Carr and O'Hanlon inside and two quickfire goals saw them regain the initiative.
O'Hanlon punished Parnells defensive hesitancy on 38 with a blistering finish and then added a penalty moments later. Parnells battled until the bitter end, but TCG, so solid and well organised defensively, were never in any serious trouble again.
Scorers for Tir Chonaill Gaels: A O'Hanlon 3-2 (2-0 pens), L Gavigan 1-2, A Carr 0-3, A Askin 0-1, N Boyle 0-1, J McGrath 0-1.
Scorers for Parnells: J Branagan 0-8 (7fs, 145), G Glynn 0-3, E Flaherty 0-1
Tir Chonaill Gaels: D Traynor; B McAtarney, R Breen, B Ross; N Boyle, G Magee, M McCoy; D Hughes, L Gavigan; T Gribben, A Askin, J McGrath; A Carr, A O'Hanlon, A Downes. Subs: J McAteer for Ross (47 mins, black card), C McCarthy for 15 (52 mins).
Parnells: E Byrne; R Corrigan, S O'Donnell, D Gallaher; K Culhane, S Devine, S Tierney; M Carroll, L Magee; E Flaherty, J Branagan, R Dempsey; G McCarthy, G Glynn, J Regan. Subs: K Noonan for Byrne (43 mins), P Holland for Gallagher (51 mins).
Cara Stationery Football League Division 1
Fulham Irish 2-13 North London Shamrocks 0-12
Tir Chonaill Gaels 4-10 Parnells 0-12
Kingdom Kerry Gaels 0-13 Round Towers 1-8
St Kiernans 0-10 Neasden Gaels 0-9
