This was the second outing in the group stage of the Men’s “Junior 1” Championship.
Templeogue Synge Street (TSS) fielded a strong team of somewhat older, experienced players including Danny O’Reilly and Ciaran Murphy of the Coronas and Off the Ball/Irish Times fame respectively - both of whom acquitted themselves well.
Clontarf started well taking a nice lead by the water break against the breeze. Liam Ennis finished off a flowing move to the net contributing to a lead of 1-5 to 0-4 at half time. Clontarf had several missed chances too which augured well for the second half.
However, a poor start after the break and a TSS team growing in confidence who, showing all their experience chipped away at the scoreboard. When they got a palmed goal, they led for the first time and really put it up to Clontarf who had an excellent response from all over the team but especially from the Mayo man, Sean Prendergast, who came off the bench to get 2 expertly finished goals and Brian Dufficy who kicked a crucial long range placed ball to help seal the result by 4 points, 3-7 to 1-9.
A great hard fought win which puts us top of the group with just the Ballyboden game remaining in a fortnight.
The value of a strong squad was never more apparent with all 5 subs used and helping to get us over the line.
The team is now on a 10-match unbeaten run including the league campaign and final.
Report by Pat Cunningham.