Junior A Football: Feeney Hat Trick Sinks Macs

Shannon Blues 3-7 Aidan McAnespies 1-9

A hot steamy Sunday morning saw Aidan McAnespies and the Shannon Blues in a second Junior A clash.  It was a close game that the Blues finally got both hands on after James Feeney netted the Blues and his third goal with two minutes left in the game.

Aaron McLoughlin passes out of defense.

The first half was notable for several misses from McAnespies.  The Blues took advantage of their chances and led by five points to three at the break.  Both teams were missed some excellent scoring opportunities in the second half, but it was three goals that turned the game in favour of the Blues.  James Feeney scored all three, the first was slightly fortunate, the second opportunistic, and the third was the end of a well worked move.  Niall Duffy let the first slip under his legs, but redeemed himself soon afterwards with a great save from Gary Henry.  Feeney was in the right place for the second to tip the ball over the head of the advancing Duffy, and the third goal came from a well worked move that started in the Blues back line and ended up in the back of the McAnespies net. 

McAnespies veteran, Paddy McCusker.

The game had looked to be going McAnespies way until the final five minutes.  McAnespies had overturned the half time deficit and led by three points going into the final minutes.  Shane Lynn had netted to cancel out that first goal from Feeney and Aaron McLoughlin and Lynn followed with points.  The Blues looked like frustration would get the better of them, but Gary Henry pointed a free, and the last two goals came, the first of which was a turnover coming out of defence.  The Blues will count their fortunes to come away with the win from this one.

Referee:  Dave Slevin (Iar Mhi)

Man of the Match:  James Feeney (Shannon Blues)

Blues:  D. Hawes, M. Moriarty, S. Kelly, C. Mullen, C. Wallace, C. Fitzgerald, C. O’Sullivan, P. Murray, E. O’Driscoll, G. Henry.  Macs:  N. Duffy, P. McCusker, G. McAlinden, J. O’Shea, G. Hennessy, A. McLoughlin, K. Noone, M. Scannell, S. Lynn, A. Comerford, E. Hamill, B. Smyth, O. McCosker.

By Rory O'Donnell