A sudden break in the run of fine weather at the end of April made for a dour hour of football in this championship clash with our near neighbours. Buoyed on by the inclusion of a number of A panellists, available to play with this team as they had not played in the previous A encounter, we ground out a commendable victory. Indeed the experience of these players including Rick Burke, Martin Kelleher, Jonathan Kenneally, Sean and Breandán Murnane, all of whom had won championship medals at the higher level in 2006, showed in the final fifteen minutes of this win. However it would be incorrect to state these lads should take all the plaudits as it was very much a huge effort from all the eighteen players who tool to the field over the hour.
Captain Padraig Murnane was always in charge in the full-back position, with Thomas Meade and championship debutant Don O’ Regan always in control in defence. In the wet conditions that prevailed a dependable free-taker would prove a huge asset, and Eoghan Kelleher certainly did not disappoint, as he kicked over four fine scores. Similarly a strong bench would prove an asset, and the half time introduction of midfielder Breandán Murnae, was a major catalyst in changing defeat into victory. Having trailed by 5 points to 3 at the short whistle, Murnane came into the fray to give the Cross a decisive edge at midfield, and kicked over two fine points.
For the record corner forwards Damian Kenneally (2) and Colin Lawless kicked the other three White’s Cross points in a well-merited victory.
Team: Aidan Harte, Thomas Meade, Padraig Murnane (Captain), Sean Murnane, Don O Regan, Martin Kelleher, Brian Murphy, Rick Burke, Jonathan Kenneally, Michael Meade, Eoghan Kelleher (0-4), Michéal Brosnan, Colin Lawless (0-1), Alf McEvoy, Damian Kenneally (0-2).
Subs: Breandán Murnane, John Hegarty, Derek O Connor.