Ballyhaise snatch point after amazing comeback

SFC Report

Ballyhaise 2-14

Gowna 3-11

Paul Fitzpatrick

at Kingspan Breffni

Ballyhaise recovered from the concession of three first-half goals to grab a battling draw against overwhelming favourites Gowna in this opener at HQ on Sunday.

Two years ago, Ballyhaise struck three first-half goals themselves en route to a stunning group-stage upset win over the same opponents so it was striking that Vinny Corey’s men went into this clash at HQ on Sunday as 1/20 favourites with the bookmakers to get the win.

Part of that was surely based on the fact that Ballyhaise – under the management of former Mullahoran and Cavan Gaels boss Darren Chapman – had a poor league and were missing key men Evan Crowe and David Brady from that match but they belied predictions here, with Brían O’Rourke and Evan Crowe commanding figures around the middle.

After 17 minutes, Gowna led by 3-3 to 0-5 and looked set to run riot but the 2023 Intermediate champions dug deep and would go on to dominate the second half.

Gowna, who withdrew McGahern and Conor Brady presumably for precautionary reasons, had opportunities to snatch it at the death but Donohoe was wide from play and then sent a two-point free attempt off target as Ballyhaise held on for a deserved share of the spoils.

See this week's Anglo-Celt newspaper for full report.