Derrygonnelly 1-17 Teemore 1-08

 

Holders Derrygonnelly opened the defence of the title with a nine point win over Teemore tonight in Derrygonnelly.

Teemore had the perfect start to the game as an Eoin McManus converted penalty helped them into a 1-02 to 0-01 advantage but the Harps hit back to lead by one at the break.

And a string of points on the restart pushed Derrygonnelly clear before Stephen McGullion wrapped things up with a late goal for the home side.

The Shamrocks made a fast start to the tie with Ronan McCaffrey and Eoin McManus slotting over frees before they were then awarded a penalty in the eighth minute.

Eoin McManus was fouled as he contested a high ball and he dusted himself down to confidently slot home his spot kick.

Derrygonnelly though began to settle to the task after this and Connor McGovern, Conall Jones and Garvan Jones (2) knocked over points to level things at 0-05 to 1-02.

Eoin McManus did nudge Teemore back ahead from a free but Derrygonnelly replied with points from Ryan Jones and Garvan Jones to move ahead for the first time in the game.

A superb McCaffrey effort again tied up the contest but Connor McGovern landed a point in added on time at the end of the half to put the home side one up at the break, 0-08 to 1-04.

And with Ryan Jones dominant in the middle of the park, the Harps pushed on in the second half. They rattled off six points in a row from Conall Jones (3), Garvan Jones, Aidy McKenna and Stephen McGullion to move into a 0-14 to 1-04 advantage.

Teemore did continue to battle and Niall Clarke, Damian Lee and Eoin McManus tagged on points but the Harps answered with points from Conall Jones and substitute Paul Ward before Stephen McGullion fired to the net to make it 1-17 to 1-07.

Eoin McManus did account for the last score of the game but this was only a consolation point as Derrygonnelly ran out 1-17 to 1-08 winners.