JFC final replay: Goals central as 'Clanns' claim title

Moylagh's Thomas Melia with Phillip Garry Clann Na nGael during the Meath JFC final replay at Ashbourne

Clann na nGael secured the JFC title at the second attempt when proving too slick for Moylagh in Wednesday night's replay at Ashbourne

Clann na nGael ..... 3-8
Moylagh .............. 1-9

The Athboy-Rathcairn outfit were second best for most of the drawn encounter but were never headed here and were nine points clear before Moylagh posted a couple of late scoreline softeners,. 

Three second-half goals, when Clann na nGael were facing a breeze coming from the town end, were central to the outcome. That ensured they matched Moylagh on the scoreboard after the break, 3-1 to 1-7.

The first came from Daragh Griffin's 44th minute penalty - awarded for a foul on Coilin Griffin - that left it 1-8 to 0-4.

Two further goals arrived in the final quarter through Ryan McNamee and sub Gerry O'Sullivan that left Clann na nGael celebrating their annexation of the Peter McDermott Cup before the final whistle.

Tom Hanley's men were more economical here with just three wides to Moylagh's eight. Crucially the team in green posted five of those in the third quarter before Clann na nGael's goals flatlined the contest

Late on a Padraic Traynor point and a Tommy O'Reilly goal improved the look of the scoreboard from Moylagh's perspective. 

It may be of little consolation now to Moylagh - who lost to Meath Hill in the 2017 JFC final - but both of this year's finalists are promoted to the IFC ranks for next year. 

Moylagh were the better side for most of the drawn game but were undone by some basic effors in the first-half when they coughed up possession when on the attack on at least six occasions. However, credit is due to a vigilant Clann na nGael defence..

Clann na nGael moved 0-6 to 0-1 clear with about of the third of the hour gone on a dry night as the initial promise of rain didnt materialise.. Tommy O'Reilly (free) doubled Moylagh's account before Daragh Griffin left the team in yellow jerseys 0-7 to 0-2 ahead at the break. 

With team captain Tommy O'Reilly leading the way, Moylagh made a brave attempt to eat into the deficit from the resumption. Aforementioned deficiencies didn't help their cause and so for the second time in three years, the team from the north west of the county finished second in this championship.

Clann na nGael - Eoin Griffin; Rory Tuite, Jack Doherty, Carl Kelly; Conor Fenton, Daragh Griffin (1-2, 1-0 pen), Ryan McNamee (1-0); Daragh Swaine (0-1 f), Cian Swaine; Tom Hanley, Phillip Garry (0-1), Eamonn O Donnachada (0-2); Paul Tuite, Thomas Doyle (0-1), Coilin Griffin (0-1). Subs - Gerry O'Sullivan (1-0) for Tuite (50), Daragh Brogan for Hanley (55).

Moylagh - Aengus Fanning; Shane Gibney, Darren Gibney (0-1), Jimmy Boyle; Alan McCann, Peter Fox, Padraic Traynor (0-1); Joe Melia, Colm Fanning (0-2); Thomas Melia, Sean Reilly, Niall McLarney; Rory Gibney, Thomas O'Reilly (C) (1-5, 0-4 fs), Emmet Grall. Subs - Eanna Brody for Gibney (ht), Aaron Hand for T Melia (ht), Niall McLarney for Foley (50).  

Referee - Patrick Coyle (Curraha)