Tailteann Cup: title defence begins with a win

St Ultans 3-15  Clonard 3-9

St Ultans started their year and defence of the Tailteann Cup with a six point victory over Clonard in Coogan Park, Martry last Saturday. Clonard got off the mark first with a point in their first attack but Ultans equalised with a well taken score from Gearoid Rennicks, 

They then took control of the game with two early goals. Conor Smyth played a long kick pass into corner forward Paidin Boggins who fielded well and turned his man before firing into the top corner of the net. Boggins then turned provider passing the ball to Mark Allen to fist to the net. Clonard struck back with a goal of their own but Ultans kept the scoreboard ticking over for the remainder of the half with points from Mark Allen, Conor Smyth, Jason Bennett and Emmet Costello and a well taken penalty from Ciaran Rogers after Boggins was fouled. Ultans held a nine point lead at the interval – 3-6 to 1-3.

Ultans started the second half brightly and a point each from Jason Bennett, Paidin Boggins and Adam Rogers – extending their lead to 12. Ultans had a man sin binned early in second half and Clonard took advantage scoring two goals to narrow the gap. Ultans responded well and points from Darren Mallon, Mark Allen, Gearoid Rennicks and Jason Bennet left the gap too large for Clonard to close with six points separating the sides at the final whistle. 

It was a well deserved win and included very positive debuts for Adam Rogers and Ruairi Buchanan.

Next up for St Ultans is Boardsmill on Sunday at 11.

St. Ultans: Keith Hennessy, Eoin McLoughlin, Luke O’Reilly, Declan Ball, Darren Mallon 0-1, Martin Dolan, Gearoid Rennicks 0-3 2fs, Mark Allen 1-4, Emmet Costello 0-1, Ciaran Rogers 1-0 pen, Conor Smyth 0-1, Paidin Boggins 1-1,Jason Bennett 0-3, Subs Used Adam Rogers 0-1 Paddy McLoughlin, Ruairi Buchanan, Shane Mulroe, Aaron Smyth

Thanks to Stephen Ball for the photo