Archive for category: Club Football

U21

24-Jan-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

A new era may be about to start for Melvin Gaels as they claimed the 2008 Masonite League Division One crown last Sunday in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, defeating great rivals and County Champions Glencar/Manorhamilton without three of their greatest servants.

MASONITE LEAGUE DIVISION 1
MELVIN GAELS 3-8
GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON 3-6

Forced to line out without the injured James & Gareth Phelan and the absent Colin Regan, the Kinlough men were missing three of the key links from their 1998 Championship winning side, three players who have been the backbone of Melvin Gaels teams for years.

Yet in their absence, a ferociously committed and hungry Melvin Gaels proved the better team in most sectors of the field and were convincing winners, except for a dramatic finale that saw Glencar/Manor grab two injury time goals!

Minus their experienced trio, the young Gaels stepped up to the plate and took on responsibility where it might have previously been left to others, a feature of the game that spells good news for the Kinlough side in the years ahead.

But what Melvin Gaels did display was a ferocious hunger for victory, something that was evident the minute they ran onto the field. Everyone worked their socks off and while their old failing of fading out of games may have hampered them once or twice during the game, their commitment never dropped.

Going for the double, Glencar/Manor never displayed the same sort of desire as their neighbours.

It was clear that the Gaels would run through a brick wall in pursuit of the ball but at the end of a long, tiring season, Glencar/Manor didnt seem to have the same sort of motivation as several of their players stood up and watched after they lost possession.

Yet the Manor men came very close to pulling off a great escape with two late goals that caused quite a deal of consternation on the Melvin Gaels bench. With two minutes of added time announced, James Glancy scored what seemed to no more than a consolationÓgoal.

But the drama heightened as added time continued for another three minutes and the Championship winners grabbed yet another goal, putting Melvin Gaels under ferocious pressure in a dramatic finish to a game where the Kinlough men had dominated.

Gareth Phelan has been a permanent fixture in the Gaels goals for years but young Jesse McGuinness did a man of the match job in denying Glencar/Manor certainÓgoals on at least three occasions, fantastic saves that hint at a long future between the posts.

Colm McGowan also came up with a vital goal-line clearance in the first half as Fabian McMorrow led a defence that might have creaked and groaned under the pressure but one that never gave up battling, working and fighting.

Emlyn Mulligan mightnt have rung up the sort of figures he normally does but that would ignore a vital contribution in controlling the flow of the Melvin Gaels game-plan.The County man showed a different side of his game, controlling the pace in the second half, using his head and doing all the unglamorous work that wins games.

Conor Sheridan, Paul Brennan, Paul Og Ferguson, Stephen McGurran all epitomised the never-say-die work ethic of Melvin Gaels as they spent as much time harrying Glencar/Manor, often in the Gaels half of the field, as they did attacking and causing problems for the Manor rearguard.

Emlyn Mulligan opened the Scóring with a first minute free but had a shot from the right wing gathered by Manor keeper Gary Loughlin shortly after.

Replicating Mulligans feats, Adrian Croal first had a narrow wide after a run but followed up with a lovely point after a Pat Gilmartin catch set Dominic Kelly free following a good pass.

Melvin Gaels almost broke through for a goal on five minutes when a high ball broke loose to Emlyn Mulligan some 20 yards in front of the Manor goal on five minutes. However, the County man blasted a horrible wide in a real let-off.

But the Kinlough side didnt have to wait long for the breakthrough as the ball broke again from a long delivery and David McSharry drilled a wonderful low shot to the Manor net for a dramatic goal.

Both sides were guilty of poor misses with Manors attempt at an instant reply thwarted when the County Champions opened up the Gaels rearguard only for Colm McGowan to block the shot on the line with a fabulous block. From the rebound, Dominic Kelly shot wide in a costly miss.

Kelly then let his frustrationÓget the better of him as he was booked for a foul on Paul Brennan, Emlyn Mulligan sending a monster 55 yard free over the bar in a brilliant score on 12 minutes.

Paul Brennan hit a wide but made immediate amends with a great score from the corner as Melvin Gaels broke quickly and effectively.

However, this finally spurred Glencar/Manor into action as James Glancy & Alan Sweeney both knocked over quick points to narrow the gap to a goal. And they reduced that lead further when Fintan McGourty, who got away with a few steps, twice dodged tackles to fire over from 40 yards.

Glencar/Manor then put together a wonderful team point, started when David Poniard absorbed a big hit on the right wing.

He shook it off and the ball went through two or three hands before Darren Sweeney scored a great point from the right wing on 23 minutes.

Melvin Gaels looked in real trouble at this stage but they showed real mettle, even if their first point in 13 minutes was a missed goal chance! Mulligan and Paul Brennan broke clear and set up Brendan Brennan straight in front of the goal, only six or seven yards out.

A goal looked certain but a fantastic full-length diving block from Shane Devaney saw the shot deflected across the bar.

Mulligan then added a brilliant effort from the left wing, a free that curled in and over the bar before Conor Sheridan added a final coup de grace when Dominic Kelly lost the ball out the field and Melvin Gaels quickly worked the ball to Sheridan for a fine point.

That left Melvin Gaels 1-6 to 0-5 in front at the break

That lead was almost wiped out just seconds into the second half when a free was fisted across the Gaels goal to Brian McDonald. The corner-forward hesitated a fraction and Jesse McGuinness made a wonderful diving save to push the ball around the post.

Manor put a lot of pressure on but all they had to show for it was a James Glancy free on four minutes. It seemed as if the double was gone from their grasp five minutes later when a great move down the wing saw Paul McGurran charge towards the Manor goal.

Having played a one-two with Paul Brennan, McGurran seemed as if he had run into a cul-de-sac when surrounded by three defenders but he worked the ball back to Brennan who came charging past a static defence and floated a ball across the face of the goal to his unmarked brother Brendan who fisted the ball to the net.

It was a crucial score and Manor heads definitely dropped, so much so that Fabian McMorrow popped up from centre-back with a brilliant 40-yard point on 15 minutes.

But Manor showed they werent gone yet when McGuinness made another great save, tipping a fisted Glancy effort onto the post and clear after an Adrian OFlynn shot dropped short on 19 minutes.

However, Glancy wasnt to be denied and after two Melvin Gaels defenders got in a mix-up with a high ball, the County man fisted Brian McDonalds pass to the Gaels net on 21 minutes.

Glancys roller-coaster took another turn when he had a bad wide from a free and Melvin Gaels made them pay with a peach of a goal. The Gaels broke with Emlyn Mulligan and Conor Sheridan making the most of gaps appearing in the Manorhamilton rearguard.

Sheridan played a ball over the top to Brennan who broke through a tackle and then chipped Gary Loughlin for an outstanding goal on 26 minutes.

That seemed to be that, particularly when Packie Hill set up Mulligan for his teams last point.

Indeed, it seemed as if a penalty a minute into the two minutes of added time announced was nothing more than a consolation when Brendan Brennan clearly lay on the ball as Glencar/Manor sought a late consolation.

James Glancy stroked the penalty home but it seemed like nothing more than a late consolation, particularly as the announced time was almost up.

However, referee Brendan Sammon showed no inclination to blow the final whistle and play continued. Incredibly for a team that never got going in attack, Manor struck for a third goal.

Again a high ball in the goal-mouth caused the problems with Pat Gilmartin drilling home to suddenly leave just two minutes in it after three minutes of added time.

With Melvin Gaels mentors and players getting increasingly annoyed by the amount of added time being played, Manor continued to attack but the Gaels held firm, blocking James Glancys free to claim the League crown.

Melvin Gaels

Jesse McGuinness, Joe McGowan, Stephen Clancy, Colm McGowan, Paul McGurran, Fabian McMorrow (0-1), Anthony Tiffoney, Martin McCarron, Stephen McGurran, Paul Og Ferguson, Emlyn Mulligan (0-4), David McSharry (1-0), Paul Brennan (1-1), Brendan Brennan (1-1), Conor Sheridan (0-1). Subs: Packie Hill for McCarron (51 mins), for C. McGowan (62 mins).

Glencar/Manorhamilton

Gary Loughlin, Michael Poniard, Shane Devaney, Thomas McDonald, Shane Loughlin, Adrian OFlynn, David Poniard, Fintan McGourty (0-1), Pat Gilmartin (1-0), Dominic Kelly, Darren Sweeney (0-1), Adrian Croal (0-1), James Glancy (2-2), Alan Sweeney (1-1), Brian McDonald. Subs: Ronan McGourty & James OBrien for A. Sweeney & M. Poniard (42 mins), Anthony McDonald for Kelly (48 mins).

Referee: Brendan Sammon.

This full report is available thanks to John Connolly for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

”

18-Dec-08 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie

Competing in their seventh Under 21 Final in a row, Drumkeerin banished the pain of their Intermediate Final defeat by easily seeing off the challenge of Carrigallen to claim the 2008 Under 21 B Championship title last Sunday in Ballinaglera.

U-21 B CHAMPIONHSIP FINAL
DRUMKEERIN 2-12
CARRIGALLEN 1-7

A long year of footballing action came to a close for Drumkeerin and Carrigallen on Sunday last in Ballinaglera.

For the Drumkeerin players there was plenty to celebrate as they went a long way towards banishing the pain of defeat from the intermediate championship final while for Carrigallen there was little comfort to be found in defeat as the were out fought by their opponents.

The pain of defeat in the intermediate championship final was obviously a huge source of motivation for the Drumkeerin players as right from the throw in they looked like a team that were determined not to lose.

Right from the throw-in it was evident that this would be Carrigallens toughest match to date as the Drumkeerin players harried and competed for every ball.

The intensity with which the Drumkeerin players started the game was rewarded inside the opening minute as Darragh Flynn was played through onÓgoal and he finished confidently to the CarrigallenÓgoal to give his side the perfect start.

Drumkeerins excellent start continued as Flynn converted a third minute free while Carrigallen struggled to get going.

Finals are often decided by a significant turning point and Carrigallen may well point to the Ciaran Flynn effort which went wide of the goal when it seemed destined to find the net.

With the game five minutes old, Carrigallen attacked with purpose for the first time as Cillian Ward, Eamon OMalley and Ciaran OReilly all combined to carve open the Drumkeerin defence. When presented with the opportunity to get his side back in the game Ciaran Flynns sidefooted effort flashed just wide.

Having been allowed off the hook, Drumkeerin extended their lead with further points from Darragh Flynn and an Eddie McTiernan free.

It was fair to say that Drumkeerin, competing in their seventh consecutive U-21 final, and leading by 1-3 to no score had enjoyed the perfect opening 10 minutes and it got even better for them when Thomas Davitt struck for his sides second goal in the thirteenth minute.

Nobody in Drumkeerin will complain, but the goal was slightly fortuitous.

Davitt seemed to be well contained by the Carrigallen defence near the touchline and byline but he swung a foot on the ball, presumably looking to pick out one of the forwards in and around the goalmouth.

Somehow the ball managed to deceive goalkeeper Stephen Smith and curl into the goal to give Drumkeerin a commanding lead.

When captain Keith Gallagher pointed to open up a 10 point lead there wouldnt have been too many willing to put money on a Carrigallen comeback but to their credit they finished the half strongly.

Eamon OMalley had already passed up the opportunity to register Carrigallens opening score as he put two frees wide before Ciaran Flynn scored a wonderful point from a sideline ball.

Flynn who at times seemed to be on a one man mission to drag his team kicking and screaming to victory converted a free and then three minutes from time was on hand to finish an excellent team move to score Carrigallens only goal of the game.

Cillian Ward, Francis ORourke, and Eamon OMalley all linked up well before the ball came to Ciaran Flynn and this time there would be no mistake as Flynn finished soccer style to the net.

On the stroke of half-time Eamon OMalley pointed to leave the contest very much alive with Drumkeerin leading by 2-5 to 1-3.

If Carrigallen were to have any hope of fighting their way back into the contest they knew that a good start to the second half was essential. Unfortunately for them that is not how it transpired as Drumkeerin regained control.

Thomas Davitt was one of Drumkeerins standout performers but this was a team effort and the likes of Jason Byrne, Fintan Harvey,Eddie McTiernan and Darragh Flynn and midfielders James McPartland and Thomas Lavin all played a key role in defence for the north Leitrim side who built on their half-time lead, starting the second-half in the same determined manner.

Three minutes into the second half an Eddie McTiernan pointed free helped regain the initiative for Drumkeerin in what was a tough and physical opening to the half.

Further points from Darragh Flynn and another Eddie McTiernan free helped extend the lead for Drumkeerin before matters became considerably tougher for Carrigallen.

Frustrated with some refereeing decisions and presumably with the manner in which his side were playing, Eoin Ward decided to air his grievances to referee Cyril McKeon.

McKeon took exception to the protests and brandished Ward, who one can only assume used some choice language, with a red card.

A further McTiernan pointed free should have signalled the end for Carrigallen, but there was one man determined that his side would not go down without a fight and Ciaran Flynn scored four unanswered points to reduce the deficit to six points.

During this period Carrigallen threatened the most unlikely of comebacks and gave a glimpse of their performances in earlier rounds of the competition but ultimately it proved too little, too late.

With the advantage of an extra man and appearing to have fresher legs than their opponents, Drumkeerin scored three points in the final minutes of the game through Keith Gallagher, StephenÓgilhooley and Dean McVeigh to ensure U-21 championship glory for the second time in three years for Drumkeerin.

In doing so they went a long way towards banishing the heartbreaking memories of the intermediate championship when they were defeated by Aughnasheelin with virtually the last kick of the game.

Drumkeerin

Barry McPadden, Jason Byrne, Dean McVeigh (0-1), Thomas Davitt (1-0), Aidan Dolan, Fintan Harvey, Keith Gallagher (0-2), James McPartland, Thomas Lavin, Eddie McTiernan (0-4), StephenÓgilhooley (0-2), Darragh Flynn (1-3), Kevin Forde. Subs: Brendan McNama for Forde (36 mins).

Carrigallen

Stephen Smith, Barry Reilly, CillianÓgrey, Francis ORourke, Austin Morrow, Stephen Kenny, Ciaran Flynn (1-6), Gary Reynolds, Ciaran Reilly, Eoin Ward, Daniel Lyons, Eamon OMalley (0-1), Cillian Ward. Subs: Damien Masterson for B Reilly (30 mins), Aaron McManus for ORourke (50 mins), Liam ORourke for C Ward (57 mins).

Referee: Cyril McKeon.

This full report is available thanks to Philip Rooney for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

18-Dec-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

They may have lost their Senior Championship status but Aughawillan ensured that 2008 finished on a high last Saturday when they held out for a surprise and narrow Masonite Division Two League Final victory over arch rivals and firm favourites Sean O Heslins at the end of a nail biting showdown in Ballinamore.

County Minor star Morgan Quinn slotted over an injury time free to ensure victory for Aughawillan after Sean O Heslins had staged a determined second half come back rally, during which they wiped out a six points interval deficit, to get on level terms by the 56th minute.

It was quite a turnaround in fortunes for Aughawillan who had suffered a massive 0-18 to 0-7 defeat at the hands of their great rivals at the beginning of November but an excellent first half set them up for a famous win.

Aughawillan took complete command in the first half of this game and put O Heslins on the rack during most of the exchanges. But O Heslins turned the tables on their neighbours for most of the second half and outgunned them by eight points to three in that period.

However, Aughawillan prevented O Heslins from getting their noses in front at any stage in the last thirty minutes, despite the fact that the Ballinamore men camped in the Willies half of the field for almost seventy percent of this periods exchanges.

When it came to putting the scores on the board, Aughawillan was by far the more clinical side of the two on view. Much to the annoyance of their supporters and mentors, Sean O Heslins squandered numerous chances, especially in the first half from frees and play.

Michael Quinn edged Aughawillan into an early lead when shot over just 32 seconds after the throw-in. Over the next nine minutes, Aughawillan increased their lead with a Sean Quinn point and a Barry Prior free after Prior himself had been illegally impeded by an O Heslins defender.

In the 19th minute, Morgan Quinn put Aughawillan four points ahead when he fired over.

Sean O Heslins got their account opened two minutes later with a well-executed Brian Cafferty point after good support play by Sean Murray. Caffertys point ended the Ballinamore mens Scóring drought, as O Heslins had registered a number of bad wides in the opening 20 minutes.

Aughawillan had a lucky escape in the 22nd minute when Wayne McKeon blazed a goal chance wide with only keeper John Prior to beat.

But a free tapped over by Morgan Quinn six minutes later, following a foul by Jim McTague on Ryan Creamer, restored Aughawillan four point advantage.

In the 29th minute, Barry Prior slotted over another free and another Jim McTague foul, this time on Barry Prior deep first half injury time, was punished by Morgan Quinn when he converted three free, to leave Aughawillan 0-7 to 0-1 ahead at the break.

After the restart, Sean O Heslins demonstrated a much improved cutting edge when they whittled Aughawillans advantage down to two points in the opening ten minutes of the second half as David Duignan, Wayne McKeon, Finian Sharpley and Kieran Murray shot a point each from play.

Aughawillan, who had played second fiddle during the first eleven minutes of the second half, replied with a 42nd minute point from a Barry Prior free after Ryan Creamer was fouled.

Sean O Heslins David Duignan, from play, and Aughawillans Morgan Quinn, from a free, swapped a point each at opposite ends in the 45th and 47th minutes.

O Heslins put together a determined rally after which they drew level by the 56th minute. Running at the Aughawillan defence, Ballinamore won three frees, which Finian Sharpley confidently put over, to level matters with just over six minutes of playing action remaining.

However, in the 59th minute O Heslins had a close shave when keeper, Philip Farrelly was forced to come smartly off his line, to prevent a goal bound Gavin Beirne effort from entering his net.

But some two minutes later Joe Honeyman fouled Beirne and Aughawillan was now provided with the opportunity to win the game once Morgan Quinn stepped up and hit over the resultant free.

Wayne McKeon had a chance to force a replay in the 62nd minute after O Heslins was awarded free just inside the 45 metre line. However McKeons shot went wide and after that the Division Two League title was claimed by Aughawillan.

Aughawillan

John Prior, Noel Darcy, Paul Prior, Barry McBrien, Gerard McGovern, Kevin McTague, Sean Quinn (0-1), Christopher Prior, Gary Deane, Morgan Quinn (0-5), Michael Quinn (0-1), Barry Prior (0-5), Shane Flanagan, Gavin Beirne, Ryan Creamer. Sub Ciaran Smith for B. Prior (51 mins).

Sean O Heslins

Philip Farrelly, Johnny McWeeney, Joe Honeyman, Liam Ferguson, David Duignan (0-2), Paddy McLoughlin, Jim McTague, Paul McLoughlin, Wayne McKeon (0-1), Anthony McTague, Finian Sharpley (0-4), Brian Cafferty (0-1), Sean Murray, Kieran Murray (0-1), Shane Murphy. Subs James McWeeney for A. McTague (55 mins).

Referee: Sean McCartin.

This full report is available thanks to PJ Leddy for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

04-Dec-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

The win for Glencar/Manor in this game cleared the way for a showdown between them and Melvin Gaels in next Saturday afternoon’s first ever all north Leitrim County senior league final.

Glencar/Manor claimed control in this encounter with a goal that was scored early in each half with Adrian Croal striking first for the north Leitrim men and Dominic Kelly doing likewise for his side’s second goal.

The home-side got on top early in the exchanges after Adrian Croal shot a third minute point and then followed up by firing home an unstoppable goal a minute later.

Croal shot off the inside of Gortletteragh’s right hand upright, as he executed this score, after soloing from midfield and splitting the south Leitrim’s side’s defence wide open.

Conor Reynolds replied with a point from a free, but Glencar/Manor went further ahead over the next four minutes when Adrian Coral hit over a well-taken point and James Glancy also found the target from play.

Gortletteragh responded with a memorable, Dermot Kennedy long range point in the eighteenth minute, but over the next six minutes Glencar/Manor edged into a six point lead when James Glancy fired over his second point from play and Dominic Kelly also shot a similar score.

Conor Reynolds kept Gortletteragh in the hunt when he converted his second free in the twenty sixth minute. However Glencar/Manor still took a 1-5 to 0-3 lead into the break.

After the restart Glencar/Manor came out in a determined mood and snuffed out Gortletteragh’s challenge in the opening nine minutes of the second half when the north Leitrim men added 1-3 without reply.

In this period Alan Sweeney tapped over two frees after fouls on Anthony McDonald and Adrian Croal.

James O’Brien sent in a well delivered thirty seventh minute foot pass from midfield to James Glancy, who was just twenty metres from the Gortletteragh posts, and duly fired over the visitor’s crossbar.

A well-worked Glencar/Manor goal two minutes later left Gortletteragh trailing by eleven points.

Dominic Kelly finished this move to the Gortletteragh net after he received a pass from Anthony McDonald, at the end of a series of spot on link-ups by a number of the north Leitrim side’s players.

Conor Reynolds hit back with his third free of the game for Gortletteragh in the fortieth minute, but a Thomas McDonald point, which was hit from long range five minutes later, restored Glencar/Manor’s eleven point’s lead.

Gortletteragh’s nÓgel Keighran fired over a 48th minute point, which proved to be his side’s last score of the game.

28-Nov-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Garadice Gaels last Friday night completed the minor double when they beat St Manachans in the league final having already emerged victorious in the championship earlier in the season.

MINOR LEAGUE FINAL
GARADICE GAELS 1-11
ST MANACHANS 0-8

It was tough on St Manachans who had a bright start to the game but were dealt a cruel blow when two members of their half-back line, John Mulligan and Kevin Kilrane collided with one another while running to gather a loose ball.

Both players had to be substituted after the incident which left both players with nasty injuries.

Having to play without two of their most influential players for the remaining three quarters of the game was always going to be a tough challenge for the St Monichans players and while they gave their all, Garadice Gaels did enough to claim victory.

St Manachans had started the game impressively and opened up a two point lead inside the opening six minutes.

Conor Beirne opened the Scóring with a free and Shane Quinn doubled the advantage after winning possession himself and completing the job with a well taken point.

Although Brian Fee pulled a point back for Garadice Gaels St Monichans were the dominant force at this early stage of the game and opened up a three point lead after Mark Beirne and Domhnaill OFlynn pointed.

With the game being played at a good pace and with plenty of exciting football on display the contest was delicately poised.

Unfortunately for St Manachans they were dealt a cruel blow when John Mulligan and Kevin Kilrane collided with one another. Both players were fully committed to getting the ball and whether either of them was dazzled by the floodlights is unclear. What was clear was that they were both hurt to such an extent that they were unable to continue and an ambulance was called to further assist the injured players.

With the game being held up for some time, it was hardly surprising that when it restarted the game lacked the same intensity.

Shane Flanagan pointed and Conor Beirne exchanged pointed frees, but Garadice Gaels finished the half the stronger of the sides with Shane Flanagan Scóring three further points from frees.

St Manachans registered only one score during that period with Conor Beirne also on target from a free.

On the stroke of half-time, Garadice Gaels almost gave themselves a massive psychological boost but were denied what seemed a certainÓgoal whenÓgoalkeeper Emmet Higgins produced an outstanding save.

CiaranÓgilheany ran at the heart of the St Manachans defence before playing a perfectly timed pass towards Ryan Creamer. Creamer flicked the ball first time towards the goal with his palm and it seemed certain as though the games opening goal had been scored.

However, Higgins had other ideas and made a great save, diving to his left and pushing the ball on to the post.

The half-time whistle sounded shortly afterwards and no doubt both sets of players would have been happy with the chance to regroup and get some instructions from their mentors.

With the second half barely four minutes old, Garadice Gaels Dermot Holohan pointed from 40 meters to level the scores at six points apiece.

Having drawn level, Garadice Gaels came very close to taking the lead for the first time but were once again denied by a great save from Emmet Higgins.

Ronan McCartin turned and shot quickly and once again it seemed as though Garadice Gaels were destined to score a goal. However, once again Higgins was up to the task as he produced another outstanding save.

At the other end St Monichans Michael OConnor capitalised on a poor clearance by the Garadice Gaels goalkeeper Colin Maguire. OConnor claimed possession of the ball and his shot sailed between the uprights to restore the lead for St Monichans.

With 20 minutes of the game remaining St Manachans held a slender one point advantage but in those remaining 20 minutes the team from Drumreilly and Aughawillan were the stronger of the sides and stepped up the pace of the contest.

A Shane Flanagan free drew the sides level once again, before Flanagan scored an excellent individual point to give his side the lead for the first time.

A Ryan Creamer point extended Garadice Gaels lead and although St Monichans were only trailing by two points with 16 minutes of the game remaining, Garadice Gaels were beginning to look like a team who believed they were on course for victory.

St Manachans on the other hand were beginning to run out of ideas and fell further behind when Morgan Quinn pointed.

A Conor Beirne free with seven minutes remaining reduced the deficit to two points, but there was to be no grandstand finish as St Manachans failed to add to their tally while Garadice Gaels struck for a goal and a point.

After Brian Fee scored a very good point, Garadice Gaels made sure of victory when Shane Flanagan launched a dangerous high ball towards the St Monichans goal. Emmet Higgins did very well initially to deal with the testing ball, but the rebound fell kindly to Ciaran Gilheaney and from close range he made no mistake and duly scored the games only goal.

Whether or not the injuries to Kevin Kilrane and John Mulligan were what ultimately swung the game in favour of Garadice Gaels cannot be said definitively. What can be said is that in tough conditions and after a good game of football Garadice Gaels were the better side, but only just.

Garadice Gaels
Colin Maguire, Anthony Holohan, Kevin McTague, Fionnbarr Quinn, Noel Plunkett, Dermot Holohan (0-1), Fergal Mitchell, Shane Flanagan (0-6), Morgan Quinn (0-1), Brian Fee (0-2), Sean Flanagan, Ronan McCartin, Aiden Dolan, CiaranÓgilheany, Ryan Creamer (0-1). Subs: Padraig Dolan for Dolan (53 mins), DamienÓgrimes for Fee (58 mins)

St Manachans
Emmet Higgins, Jonathan Beirne, Gabriel Egan, Mathew Bohan, John Mulligan, Kevin Kilrane, Michael OConnor (0-2), Mark Beirne (0-1), Niall Flynn, Shane Quinn (0-1), Niall OBrien, Domhnaill Flynn, Conor Beirne (0-4), Paul Reynolds, Conor Beirne. Subs: Alan Armstrong and Ronan Reynolds for Kilrane and Mulligan (15 mins), Lee Cassles for P Reynolds (45 mins), SeanÓgildea for Shane Quinn (53 mins).
Referee: Eamon OGrady

27-Nov-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie