Intermediate Champ: Naomh Muire 0-07 Fanad Gaels 2-09

Played on a lovely sunny afternoon in front of a large crowd Naomh Muire took on Fanad in the first round proper of the Intermediate championship. The home team took the lead in the sixth minute, following some early misses from both teams, with a point from Harry Harden. Points were exchanged them with both teams working hard to win the breaking ball around the middle. In a half where both defences were on top and the scores were hard to come by it was the home side who opened up a two point lead around the midway stage of the half. Indeed Naomh Muire could have been further ahead when Sean 'The Yank' Boyle was in on goal only to see his shot well saved but the Fanad goalkeeper. Fanad were made to work hard for each score as the Naomh Muire defence pressurised them each time they were on the attack. The first half finished level at 5 points a piece and everything still to play for. Fanad hit the front for the first time early in the second half with a close range free from their centre half forward. An intercepted short kick out then gave the visitors an easy score to leave them two ahead once again with the game remaining tight. The home team retained a lot of possession as they worked their kick outs well with Aidi O' Gara getting on a lot of ball at wing half back. Harry Harden once again slotted over the bar to leave the minimum between them. Fanad the had a goal chance themselves but Seán Gallagher produced another excellent save in the Naomh Muire goal to deny them. The resultant 45 was converted to push Fanad two ahead again. The decisive score came midway through the second half when Fanad produced and overlap to fire home the game's first gaol. They soon added another score from play to leave six points in it with 10 minutes left. Fanad added another goal from their midfielder who took the direct route towards goal and fired home an unstoppable shot. Naomh Muire replied with a point to leave the final score, Naomh Muire 0-07  Fanad Gael 2-09