Na Gleannta v Athenry

Looking smart in new strip before the Athenry fixture

This afternoon saw Na Gleannta's first official fixture against Athenry at the Mountbellew ground. The newly formed team from Glinsk and Glenamaddy did their respective towns and themselves credit as they emerged from an exiting, tense encounter worthy winners with the final score at Na Gleannta 1 - 12,  Athenry 0 - 8.

Na Gleannta certainly upped their game after lapses in concentration, and occasionally lack of awareness in recent fixtures.  It was easy to forget that this afternoon was only their 5th game playing together - and they certainly played together today.  

Athenry took an early lead, but Na Gleannta showed great spirit to come straight back with 5 unanswered points  before giving their travelling supporters some concerns as they began to show worrying signs of letting things slip again.  Athenry began to claw their way back, and at half time the score stood at Na Gleannta 0 - 6 Athenry 0 - 5.

As the teams took the field for the second half it was anybody's game for the taking and things began to swing Athenry's way as they determinedly took the game to Na Gleannta and soon the scores stood equal at 7 points apiece.

The Na Gleannta team though showed great resolution and stuck doggedly to the task showing new found determination.  Na Gleannta began to pull away, although the result was still in the balance as the scores stood at Na Gleannta 0 - 10  Athenry 0 - 8. 

With a tense last 10 minutes in prospect the game finally turned Na Gleannta's way as "man-of-the-match" Keith Davis scored the goal that enabled his team to make the game theirs.  Na Gleannta adding two more points before the final whistle saw them run out comfortable winners in the end.

All smiles after a successful first outing for Na Gleannta.

Scorers for Na Gleannta:

Barry Conneally, Sean Conneally, Alan Kelly, Sam McCall, Kevin Morgan - 1 point each.

Keith Davis 1 - 7

After the game the lads were hosted to refreshments at Mannion's Lounge when surely the smiles of victory continued.  Many thanks to Mannion's for their generosity.