NA PIARSAIGH 1-5 DUNDALK GAELS 0-8
With Na Piarsaigh still in with a chance of automatic promotion and Gaels in danger of relegation, this was always going to be a tight game and so it proved with the teams finishing level 1-5 to 0-8 at the Rock Road on Sunday afternoon the 24th of October.
The Gaels started strongest and were 0-3 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter with three points from Sean McCann and Simon Kelly replying with a free for Na Piarsaigh. McCann and Kelly shared four points to leave Gaels 0-5 to 0-3 in front approaching half time before a another Seam McCann free left the visitors 0-6 to 0-3 in front at the break.
Scores were at a premium for both sides and two Des McCann frees and an Anthony McSorley point left the Gaels in front 0-7 to 0-5 at the end of the third quarter.
Na Piarsaigh went into the lead for the first time with ten minutes remaining when Simon Kelly blasted the ball to the net past Faulkner. The Gaels were soon level again when Conall McArdle pointed.
A minute later with Eamon McAuley on a surging run, Derek Crilly halted his run and seen red. Na Piarsaigh missed a free which was to be the last chance as no further scores were added.
The draw was enough for the Gaels to secure their intermediate league status. Another hard working display was evident from all concerned and the displays of the last 3 games need to be built on for next year.
DUNDALK GAELS: Stephen Faulkner; David Moley, Ray Rooney, Eamonn Kenny; Nicholas O’Callaghan, David Maloney, Daire O’Callaghan; Derek Crilly, Sean Fee; Errol Boyle, Stephen Coleman, Conall McArdle 0-1; Gary Shevlin, Sean McCann 0-6, Anthony McSorley 0-1. Sub: Paul Burke for E Boyle.
