Summary Shrule vs Northern Gaels (MN)

Shrule 5-14

Northern Gaels 1-15

A hat-trick from Stephen Heneghan proved pivotal as Shrule/Glencorrib booked their place in the county junior semi-final following a convincing victory over Northern Gaels.

Playing with a strong breeze behind them, Shrule/Glencorrib made the early advantage count, with Evan Cawley finding his range inside the opening 10 minutes as he landed a couple of two-pointers.

Northern Gaels responded with a goal from Ruairí McDonnell, but it was Shrule/Glencorrib who took control as the opening half progressed.

The second quarter belonged firmly to the home side as Heneghan and Luke Lydon both found the net, while Cawley continued to punish the visitors with further scores. By half-time, Shrule/Glencorrib had built a commanding lead, 3-10 to 1-6.

The breeze was expected to have a major bearing on the second half, but any hopes Northern Gaels had of mounting a comeback were quickly diminished when corner-back Joe Hughes fired home an early goal for Shrule/Glencorrib.

Northern Gaels did manage to make better use of the conditions as the half progressed, with Tommy Clarke and Marc Munnelly both taking advantage of the wind to land a number of valuable two-pointers.

Those scores helped narrow the deficit, but Shrule/Glencorrib remained in control.

With ten  minutes remaining, Heneghan completed his hat-trick when he raised the final green flag of the afternoon, effectively putting the outcome beyond doubt.

Northern Gaels continued to battle until the finish, but Shrule/Glencorrib had done enough to secure their place in the last four.

For Shrule/Glencorrib, Heneghan’s three goals were the difference on a day when they combined effectively in attack and made the most of their opportunities to progress to the county junior semi-final