Graiguecullen tee up Stradbally date following victory over The Heath in Round Two
Graiguecullen are safely through to Round 3 of the Senior Football Championship, putting The Heath to the sword on Sunday afternoon. 2-1 from Aaron Forbes and 1-1 from Danny O’Reilly led the way as Jason Ryan's side eased through to third round.
After a disappointing loss to O’Dempsey’s in Round 1, Graiguecullen were much improved here - and started with intent. Forbes got on the end of a long ball in to get the first of his two goals with less than 30 seconds played.
Graiguecullen 3-10
The Heath 0-7
Evin Keane pulled two scores back for The Heath, but Graiguecullen soon took over. Conor Kelly landed a free in the 11th minute before Forbes got in for his second goal. Danny O’Reilly played a beautiful ball into the big full forward where Forbes struck a wonderful effort beyond John Paul Nerney.
Mark Timmons and Lee Walker tagged on a score each to put Graigucecullen seven points up after 20 minutes. Evin Keane kicked his and The Heath's third score from a placed ball, but Graiguecullen finished the half well, with O’Reilly and Walker kicking a point apiece.
2-5 to 0-3 at the interval.
The Heath opened the scoring after half time, again through Keane, but it was merely a stay of execution. Conor Kelly and Jack Byrne landed points for Graiguecullen and midway through the half, the third came. Byrne played O'Reilly through on goal who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Dylan Kavanagh became the first player not named Evin Forbes to score for The Heath in the 52nd minute, but Lee Nolan quickly cancelled it out. Daithi Carroll and PJ Daly landed a score each for The Heath but they were merely killing time.
Aaron Forbes kicked his first point of the game with the clock in the red before a Jamie Parr score brought an end to proceedings. There were several good performances throughout the Graiguecullen team, but Sean McGrath in particular had a fantastic game in the back line and played as big a part as anyone in this decisive victory.
Having narrowly lost to Killeshin in Round 1, The Heath now face into the B championship. Graiguecullen, meanwhile, have been drawn against Stradbally for Round 3.