Ranelagh Gaels got their Division 8 campaign back on track with an emphatic victory on Sunday morning in Fairview Park. The Gaels have now collected four points from a possible six, and with fixtures a-plenty on the horizon before the summer break a win was imperative against St Josephs.

With the entire country getting used to the new rules introduced at Congress last month there were one or two teething problems, particularly with the interpretation of the hand pass, but on the whole it was a straight forward victory.

Early goals were exchanged between the sides but the visitors were more prolific in raising the white flag with scores coming from a variety of sources including Eamon Courtney and Enda Marren. Last year’s player of the year, Johnny Conlon, made his return to competitive action following his injury and it was business as usual from the corner forward; he would have a hat-trick of goals and even more points by the game’s end.

A second goal from St Josephs, converted from the new 11m penalty spot, and a nasty bang to the head to centre-back Danny left the Gaels a little downbeat at the half-time whistle; the sides were level 2-4 to 1-7 with the Gaels having played most of the football.

Last year’s Division 9 Champions made their dominance show on the scoreboard in the second half with some well worked scores and an audacious goal by Conlon. The midfield battle was closely fought but when Josephs did win possession their attacks were repelled. Wing-backs Tim and Ian worked tirelessly throughout, while also coming in from close attention from their markers.

Discipline had a big baring on the game’s outcome with the Gaels keeping cool heads while the opposition were losing theirs. The home side only added four points in the second half;  Ranelagh added several well-taken points in the closing minutes to leave the final score at 2-8 to 3-15.

Ranelagh face into a crucial period in the league; after a free weekend they then face into two matches in the space of five days. The possible permutations for Division 8 will become a lot clearer over the next couple of weeks.