Rhode 1-11 Old Leighlin 1-7:OFFALY senior star Niall McNamee turned in a superb display, hitting 1-6, as the Offaly champions advanced in the Leinster club SFC at the expense of a spirited Old Leighlin from Carlow at Dr Cullen Park yesterday.
McNamee scored a penalty in the 25th minute to put his side 1-3 to 0-2 ahead. His forward colleague, Anton Sullivan, had completed a Rhode move by shooting to the Old Leighlin net but referee Eddie Kinsella had already blown for the penalty. Old Leighlin lacked the composure, team work and options close to goal that the Offaly men displayed as Rhode held a 1-3 to 0-3 interval lead.
From the throw-in for the second half midfielder Mark Brennan was fouled and Patrick Hickey pumped the free into the Rhode goalmouth where corner forward Séamus Kinsella rose to flick the ball to the inrushing Hughie Gahan, who volleyed home from close range.
Rhode quickly regained the lead when McNamee pointed from play while another flowing movement saw Anton Sullivan double the lead. In the 40th minute, with Rhode 1-6 to 1-4 ahead, Old Leighlin captain Pat Hickey had a shot deflected over the bar by Eddie McDonald. McNamee completed a marvellous personal showing with a superb long-range point. Rhode will now face Skryne of Meath.
RHODE: E McDonald; D Murphy, B Darby, D Hope; C Heavey, S Sullivan, E Byrne; A McNamee, M Dunne; N Darby (0-2), P Sullivan, A Sullivan (0-2); G O’Connell, P Kelleghan (0-1), N McNamee (1-6, 1-0 pen, four frees).
OLD LEIGHLIN: J Clarke; R Burke, M Meaney, S Daly (0-1); D Dowling, J Hayden, G Hickey; P Hickey (0-2), M Brennan; D Kelly, C Coughlan (0-2, frees), D Bambrick; Séan Kinsella, H Gahan (1-0), Séamus Kinsella (0-2, frees). Sub: E Fitzgerald for Seán Kinsella (44 mins).
Referee: E Kinsella (Laois).
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