Mooncoin 1-14
Thomastown 2-8

This performance will have pleased many Mooncoin supporters while Thomastown will not be totally disappointed despite the result in a game that was competitive from the throw in. The damp conditions didn’t help players with the skill level being only fair however both sides were committed to the cause which made for an enjoyable game in front of a respectable attendance the inclement weather conditions.

The Suirsiders started brightly and a pair of early points from Diarmuid Mackey established an early lead. Derek Lanigan responded for a Thomastown side who were gradually settling into the game. However Mooncoin maintained their lead throughout the half thanks to some fine shooting from Eoin Hennebry, Sean Wall and new free taker Jamie McGrath. The response from Thomastown came through Derek Brennan and Paul Treacy while Billy O’Keffee chipped in with a free. The exchanges were competitive with neither side willing to give an inch in an entertaining first period. The crucial score of the half came just before the break when a poorly struck free by Billy O’Keffee dropped short causing problems in the Mooncoin defence. Gary Ryan somehow managed to bundle the ball past goalkeeper David O’Brien and subsequently give his side the lead for the first time (Half Time Thomastown 1-5 Mooncoin 0-6).

Mooncoin opened brightly thanks to a point from Tom Murphy however disaster stuck once more for the Suirsiders with Gary Ryan fielded a high ball before laying it off to Paul Tracey who finished to the net. (T 2-5 M 0-7). The response by Mooncoin was quite effective with points from Alan Walsh and Keith Kirwin while Jamie McGrath was maintaining his accuracy from frees before Sean Wall fielded a long delivery and drove it over the bar to leave the sides level (M 0-11 T 2-5). Mooncoin now had the momentum but Billy O’Keffee landed a free to keep Thomastown in front. The breakthrough came a few minutes later when Keith Kirwin gathered a ball on the 45 metre line before driving up the sideline cutting infield and crashing the ball to the net. Jamie McGrath added a 65 to give Mooncoin some breathing space (M 1-12 T 2-6). Richie Bolger and Derek Brennan added further points but Eoin Hennebry and Diarmuid Mackey made sure of victory for the Suirsiders by adding late points.

Mooncoin had a much better performance from their forwards however the concession of goals rather easily will be a cause for concern for management. Thomastown will reflect on what might have been. They will be disappointed to have surrendered such a strong position and will need to learn how to kill off a game if they are to be successful.
The Suirsiders had positive performances from Ciaran Dunphy, P.J. Rowe and Eamon Mackey in defence. Jamie McGrath and Alan Walsh worked tirelessly for the cause while McGrath’s free taking will have been welcomed by all parties. The attack managed to score bar Niall Mackey who contributed to some fine scores. Keith Kirwin and Sean Wall took on the mantle of responsibility from Diarmuid Mackey which will provide more balance to the attack.
Thomastown performed well for long periods and will have been pleased with Brian Dempsey, Shane Lanigan and Edward Tennyson in defence while Dessie Walsh used his experience well to win a fair share of ball at midfield. The attack tried hard with Paul Treacy and Gary Ryan their top performers.

Scorers:
Mooncoin: D. Mackey (0-4 2f); K. Kirwin (1-1); J. McGrath (0-3 2f 165); E. Hennebry & S. Wall (0-2 each); A. Walsh & T. Murphy (0-1 each)
Thomastown: P. Treacy (1-1); B. O’Keffee (0-3 3f); G. Ryan (1-0); D. Brennan (0-2);
R. Bolger & D. Lanigan (0-1)

Teams
Mooncoin: D. O’Brien; C. Dunphy; Ed. Mackey; N. Delahunty; P.J. Rowe; Em. Mackey; T. O’Hanlon; A. Walsh; J. McGrath; N. Mackey; E. Hennebry; S. Wall; K. Kirwin;
T. Murphy; D. Mackey
Thomastown: P. Dempsey; B. Dempsey; D. Dempsey; R. O’Hara; S. Mahony;
S. Lanigan; E. Tennyson; R. Bolger; D. Walsh; B. O’Keffee; D. Brennan; D. Lanigan;
G. Ryan; P. Treacy; P. Hanrahan
Subs: S. Waugh; B. Blanchfield; F. Challoner

Referree: T. Duggan (Mullinavat)