With thirteen scores each it was evident that Goals win games and four first half goal proved crucial as Seneschalstown ran out six point winners in the opening round of the newly formed Premier Championship Division 1.
Gaeil Colmcille started lively and raced into a 0-03 to 0-01 lead with nine minutes played thanks to two free from Fionn Ferguson and Barry Tormay pointing. From a two point lead Kells went 10 points down by the 22nd minute after three bizarre goals and three points saw Seneschalstown take a commanding lead.
Corner-forward and as always a threat Gary Arkins pulled two scores back for Kells but a fourth goal by Seneschalstown just before the break left the Yellow Furze men 4-04 to 0-05 ahead at the break.
Manager Justin Carry-Lynch made two changes at half-time and one of those, Daniel Farrelly made an immediate impact scoring off his left foot. Scores we’re now hard got for both sides in a stop start game, a penalty from Fionn Ferguson and a point from Ferguson and Arkins without reply before the water break gave Gaeil Colmcille a glimmer of hope of a comeback.
After the water break Kells continued pressure was paying off and points from Arkins, Stephen Reddy and substitute Sean Cleary brought Kells within 5 points of Seneschalstown with 5 minutes remaining. But as Gaeil Colmcille went in search for another goal it was Seneschalstown who got the insurance point to close the game out by six points despite a valiant second half effort from Gail Colmcille.
Gaeil Colmcille: G McGovern, C Arkins, D Muldoon, A Lawal, A Donnelly, M Foley, E Doogan, B Tormay (0-01), A Browne, N Williams, S Reddy (0-01), C Mattimoe, Z Griffin, F Ferguson (1-03), G Arkins (0-05).
Subs: B Byrne, D Farrelly (0-01), S Cleary (0-01), S Bennett,
Photo © Declan Lynch
