We travelled to Ballyncaragy on Saturday last to take on St. Joseph’s in Round 2 of the Championship. On a bright evening for football both teams served up an entertaining battle that resulted in a one point win for St. Joseph’s after an injury time goal. This was a cruel defeat for Bun after an excellent team performance. While disappointed not to come away with the win, they can be proud of the performance and improvement across the team.

Bun started this game on fire and led three points to no score after five minutes thanks to three excellent scores from Darragh Lyons after brilliant play out the field. St. Joseph’s who were playing with the aid of a strong wind in the first half responded with a two pointer free from. They soon equalised with a neat point from play before Bun replied with another point from Lyons to regain the lead to one after ten minutes.

St. Josephs then started to use the wind to their advantage and scored three 2 pointers on the bounce to stretch their lead. Simon Moorehead scored an excellent point from play to reduce the deficit before St. Joseph’s scored another 2 pointer. Darragh Lyons kicked the final score of the half from a free after Ronan Scally was impeded when attacking inside. The half time score read St. Joseph’s 0:14 Bun 0:07.

Bun introduced Trian Leslie and Caolan Fulham at half time to add some impetus in attack. Trian was making his championship debut and he was determined to make an impact. Bun, like the first half, started strongly. Barry O Mara kicked a 2 pointer from play before Leslie, collected a break off Darragh Lyons to round the keeper and fire to the net in a brilliant piece of play. With the deficit reduced to two points, Bun were enjoying a purple patch. 

St. Joseph’s responded with a badly needed point before Bun replied immediately with an effort from Lyons. He would add another free shortly after before Enda Newman burst forward to the left hand side to fire over a sublime equalising score with his right foot. Bun were now dominating all over the pitch. Newman, Leslie, Matt Hope and David Newman all won crucial turn overs on separate occasions to turn the tide in Bun’s favour coming down the straight and as the game entered injury time Aidan Finnan kicked a huge 2 pointer free after he was fouled.

Then deep in injury time St. Joseph’s conjured a goal to lead by one with time almost up. It was heartbreak for Bun who tried valiantly to equalise but just feel short as Ken Gunning blew the full time whistle.

This was a bitterly disappointing end to a fine performance by Bun. As outlined above though, they have much to be satisfied with. Trian Leslie had a brilliant game when introduced while Conor Newman delivered a heroic performance in defence. In truth all the players stood up and were counted when needed most. Intensity, discipline and turn overs were just some of the key traits they brought to this game which wills serve them well in the coming weeks. Next up is Kilbeggan on Saturday in Castletown.

Team: Alan Manning, Conor Newman, Simon Moorehead, Ronan Scally, Matthew Hope, David Newman, Enda Newman, John Kiernan, Aidan Finnan, Luke Kiernan, Ken Conroy, Mark Donnelly, Cian Tighe, Darragh Lyons & Barry O Mara. Subs: Trian Leslie for M. Donnelly, Caolan Fulham for Cian Tighe, Andy Whitney for K. Conroy, Gaving Lyons, Finian Newman, Brian Maguire, Liam Mitchell, Eoin McGowan, Jonny Nolan & Dean O’ Brien.