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Ballinrobe v Garrymore - Mayo SFC 2003

November 7, 2018

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

 

GAA: Ballinrobe defy odds to sink Garrymore

By: Billy Horan

 

 Ballinrobe 2-11, Garrymore 1-8

 

Ballinrobe, belying their casting as outsiders, convincingly overcame the home challenge at Garrymore on Sunday.

Conditions were well nigh perfect, and Garrymore had the greater reason to be satisfied with the early thrust of the game. As the interval loomed, the Ballinrobe approach became more assertive, and an Adrian Flannery goal in the 30th minute fortified that resolve.

Apart from a brief Garrymore spurt at the outset of the second half. Ballinrobe enjoyed a marked territorial advantage and Maurice Horan’s goal in the 35th minute, supplemented by some marvellous late points from Micheal Keane, signalled the way for the further advancement of last years intermediate champions. Both sides conducted themselves in an impeccable sporting vein, and Sean MacEil, the referee, had an easy assignment.

Youthful full-forward Ciaran Dolan had the locals cheering within seconds of the action getting under way, when he lobbed over a point. Close on seven minutes of scoreless play ensued before Maurice Horan balanced the issue, but a Jimmy Killeen point from a free put Garrymore back in front, inside a minute. Deadlock breached again in the 9th minute, a Maurice Horan pass creating the opening for a point from Sean Grimes.

Garrymore were the better side at this juncture and a timely boost materialised in the 13th minute. A well directed shot from T.J. McHugh, out in the left corner, had a positive sequel in the shape of a Jimmy Killeen goal. The Ballinrobe defending might have been move vigilant, and Ciaran Dolan kicked his second point to give the locals a four-point advantage at the end of the opneing quarter 1-3 to 0-2.

Ballinrobe, chastened by the concession of the Jimmy Killeen goal, became more focused in the remaining segment of the half. Points ensued from Maurice Horan (free) and Sean Grimes in the 22nd and 23rd minutes, respectively, and Fergal Costello and Tony Walkin put the ball the wrong side of the posts. As the pressure grew better luck attended the effort of Adrian Flannery in the 30th minute, who made the umpire reach for the green flag, as he powered the ball into the left corner of the net, from a different angle. This score gave Ballinobre the minimum advantage at the break 1-4 to 1-3.

Following the pattern of the first half, Garrymore made the initial impact after the resumption. Wides by Michael Coleman and TJ McHugh preceded a brace of points from the McHugh duo, TJ and Danny, but any local optimism generated by the scores was dissipated by the Ballinrobe response in the 5th minute. Micheal Keane, following one of his typical runs, transferred the ball to Maurice Horan, and the corner forward in from the right wing struck for a superb goal.

Predictably, the goal heightened Ballinrobe’s confidence and Mark Walkin reflected that by adding a point in the 36th minute. Other opportunities were let slip by David Killeen, Maurice Horan, Fergal Costello, and Micheal Keane and in return TJ McHugh confirmed there was still a kick left in Garrymore by pointing in the 43rd minute, leaving just a goal between them, 2-7 to 1-7.

High-fielding David McMonagle and his industrious midfield colleague, Sean Grimes, were now very much in command in their sector, and a brace of points by Micheal Keane soldified Ballinrobe’s position. Substitute John Slattery, just on the field, pegged one back for Garrymore, only to have the opposition respond again with fine points from Micheal Keane and Maurice Horan.

Resolute defending by Colm Jennings, who had an outstanding game, Fergal Costello, Paul Finnerty and Donal Costello, frustrated late Garrymore attempts for scores, apart from a point from a free by TJ McHugh in the 57th minute, and the hour ended with the irrepressible Micheal Keane augmenting the Ballinrobe return by two more points.

Scorers – Ballinrobe: M. Horan 1-3 (0-1f), A. Flannery (1-0), M. Keane 0-5, S. Grimes 0-2, M. Walkin 0-1.

Garrymore: J. Killeen 1-1 (0-1f), C. Dolan 0-2, T. McHugh 0-3 (0-1f), D. McHugh and J. Slattery 0-1 each.

Ballinrobe: P. Tiernan, Donal Costello, P. Finnerty, C. Jennings, C. Killeen, F. Costello, R. Keane, S. Grimes, D. McMonagle, D. Killeen, Adrian Flannery, M. Walkin, M. Horan, T. Walkin, M. Keane. Subs: Declan Costello for T. Walkin (48th minute).

Garrymore: C. O’Toole, A. Jordan, F. Hession, J. Varley, PJ Heffernan, A. Heaney, L. Monaghan, M. Coleman, F. Corcoran, J. Killeen, B. Lynskey, D. McHugh, M. Lynskey, C. Dolan, TJ McHugh. Subs: M. Maloney for M. Lynskey (halftime), J. Slattery for J. Killeen (54th minute).

Referee: Sean MacEil (Knockmore).