THRILLING  FINISH  AS  BUNNINADDEN  AND  GAELS  SHARE  THE POINTS

                   BUNNINADDEN  2-09              SHAMROCK  GAELS  2-09

In terms of dominance this was certainly a game of two halves  as Bunninadden taking control from the start were the complete masters in the first half, however Shamrock Gaels in a magnificent comeback owned the second one in this first round Group 1 Kennedys Intermediate Championship match played at a splendid looking Connolly Park in Collooney on Saturday evening last.

Out from the traps early Bunninadden had two goals on the electronic scoreboard inside the first five minutes via experienced forwards Vinny Frizzell and Michael Gormley. Shamrock Gaels in contrast looked shell shocked and were a beaten docket in most sectors of the field especially in attack where their lighter forwards could make no impression on a well organised Bunninadden defence where Sean O Donnell, Tomas Gormley and Sean Leamy stood firm. Three points was all the Gaels could manage in the first half as a rampant Bunninadden swept into an eight point interval lead of 2-05 to 0-03.

With little or no wind to aid them in the second half Shamrock Gaels had to rely on their hearts and their lungs to drive them onwards and this they did in highly admirable fashion, greatly encouraged of course by two splendid goals from Keith Candon. Improving at midfield they spread the ball wide at every opportunity while the introduction of former star forward John Paul Henry gave them added balance despite a few untypical misses. Both sides missed quite a few in that frantic second half with Bunninadden’s Vinny Frizzell off target with a few frees admittedly from distance.

Shamrock Gaels had drawn level at 2-08 apiece with seven minutes to go however Bunninadden managed to get their noses in front once more  with a point approaching the final whistle . But the Gaels would not give up and deservedly levelled the match for a final time with a John Paul Henry point. Bunninadden had one more chance to win it but unfortunately for Michael Gormley his shot following a good run drifted wide. Bunninadden had good ball winners on show in Adrain Frain, Sean O Donnell, Danny Cafferkey and Michael Gormley while David Quinn, Keith McMorrow, Liam O Connell and John Paul Henry contributed most to the Gaels cause in a fine match with a draw a fair result.

Referee   .... Conor Conway.