HURLING | Moninne hold on despite spirited fightback by Pearse Og

Louth Hurling League | Naomh Moninne 4–9 Pearse Og 1–15

Town rivals Naomh Moninne and Pearse Og clashed in the first round of the Louth Senior Hurling League in Kilkerley on Thursday evening and it was the black and amber outfit who did just enough to hold out for a three points victory.

Moninne appeared to be cruising to victory when they led at half-time by 4–5 to 0–5 with their goals being scored by Andrew Mackin (2–0), David Yore and Ronan Geoghegan.

They extended their lead when midfielder Darren O’Hanrahan struck over an early free but Pearse Og replied with 1–3 without reply.

Their goal was scored by Padraig McCarthy and another four further points in reply to another O’Hanrahan point had them trailing by just 4–7 to 1–12.

Two welcome points from John Martin and Ronan Geoghegan saw Moninne extend their lead by six points with less than 10 minutes of the match remaining.

Pearse Og dominated the closing minutes and were rewarded with further good points from substitute Mike Lyons, Gerard Smyth — with a free — and Andrew McCrave but it was Moninne who were relieved to hear the referee’s final whistle and collect the two league points on the night.

NAOMH MONINNE: James Connolly; Niall Cafferkey, Chris Lennon, James Murphy; Andrew McArdle, Oisin Drumm, Diarmuid Murphy; Darren O’Hanrahan (0–2), Paul Delaney; Donal Connolly, John Martin (0–1), Tadhg Moore (0–2); David Yore (1–2), Andrew Mackin (2–1), Ronan Geoghegan (1–1). Subs: Collins Connolly for D Connolly, Mark McGuinness for J Murphy, Donal Griffin for A McArdle, Tommy McArdle for P Delaney.

PEARSE OG: Barry Myles; Mark Egan, Brian Minogue, Cian Sholloe; Aidan Callan, Padraig McCarthy (1–0), Noel Callan; Gerard Smyth (0–5), Andrew McCrave (0–1); Gary O’Brien (0–1), Brian McCabe (0–2), Paul Grimes (0–1); Davy Mahony (0–2), Pat McCauley, Dean Walsh. Subs: Andrew McDermott, Mike Lyons (0–3), Shane Kelleher, David Mulholland.

REFEREE: Noel Mullaney (Monaghan).