Saturday the 11th of May saw the Giants return to their scenic home of NUI Maynooth, to play against an in-form Galway team.
Desperate to recover from their away defeat in Round 2, the Giants arrived with healthy numbers, but the Magpies also travelled well with a good interchange available.

The first quarter saw the Magpies playing with the wind, but with both teams struggling with the changeable conditions, the Pies advantage was minimal come the call of time.

The second period bought a slightly re-jigged North Leinster team to the pitch, the Giants upping the pace, using the wind and the interchange wisely, resulting in many attempts on goal and the Magpies lucky to be down this quarter by ‘only’ 18 points.

After the half-time break. the Pies emerged with a renewed strength, matching the Giants, with the temperature and passions rising, the quarter became a slug-fest, mainly in the Giants 50. Still, the superb backs and midfield played well, allowing only a 2 point deficit this time.

The fourth started with a flurry with some fast action along the flanks. Dozer put in a massive tackle on the Pies’ Tadgh, resulting in a broken collar-bone. Time was bought to a halt as Shaybo assessed the reluctant patient. After the injury break, the game restarted at a much slower pace, and the Giants took the advantage in the midfield allowing accurate balls to the forwards, winning the quarter by 15, and the game by 29 points.

Giants 9.14 (68) – Magpies 5.9 (39)

1.2 (8) – 1.4 (10)
3.7 (25) – 1.1 (7)
3.0 (18) – 3.2 (20)
2.5 (17) – 0.2 (2)

Goal scorers: Colm (3) Shaybo (2) Terrier (1) Danny (2) Pat (1)

Leeside Lions 12.8(92)
North Leinster Giants 3.10(28)

The host club’s margin of victory in this game was probably not an entirely fair reflection of what was a very competitive game. The Lions got out of the blocks early with Vince Manning doing a lot of damage meaning that the Cork boys had gotten more than half their total in the first quarter. For the next three quarters it was largely the Giants, severely undermanned who dominated play through stellar efforts from all afield. The midfield of Chris Bull, Elliot, Terrier and Steve worked tirelessly and at the back Fitzy, Derek, Stringy and Disco fought for every ball. Our three goals came from Shane Bohan, who had his best game so far nailing two and the returning Colm Faughnane. Phil, Rob and particularly Shane Bawn worked very hard for possession in the full forward line, but unfortunately in accuracy in front of the post meant ten points, rather than an additional 50, which at least would have significantly reduced the margin. It was not a day for complaints though, this was a point gained given the number of players unavailable, avoiding a forfeit and having new players learn will see us in much better stead as the season continues.

Training for the 2013 Season commences tomorrow(Wednesday February 6th) on the All Weather Pitches at Leixlip Sports Centre. All those attending should bring €5 to cover pitch hire.