Club Notes October 10th2011
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Coolaney/Mullinabreena 2.15 Drumcliffe 1.13 (a.e.t)
And so itwas to be, after two and a half hours of thrilling football, that only one teamcould emerge victorious from this enthralling encounter and that team -Coolaney/Mullinabreena. It took extra time, but this team simply brushed asidethe opposition in that period to power eight points clear at one stage andfinish out five in front at the whistle on a score line of 2.15 to 1.13. Bestteam triumphant? No question!
Drumcliffestarted the game stronger and were three to one ahead on nine mins with KieranFinan pointing for C/M. Scores were traded again leaving it four to three onfifteen mins with Finan again the finisher, one a free. Drumcliffe still hadthe better of things and hit twice to go three clear as the intervalapproached. Crucially C/M responded late with first a long range free fromFinan before Criostior Davey hit a fine score to leave only the narrowest ofmargins at the break. Big Scores! Big difference!
Thesupporters were hardly settled after the interval when Criostoir Davey had goaledin superb style for C/M. It was a brilliant move and one/two with Eoghan O’Dowdfollowed by a scintillating finish. Green flag! Game on! The busy John McGowanthen pointed to go three ahead. Drumcliffe hit a free before the influentialBarry Kivlehan pointed. True to form with this final, it swung back once again.Drumcliffe were on a par within ten mins to leave it 1.07 to 0.10. Critically,Cian O’Dowd knocked the ball to safety with a magnificent goal mouth clearancebefore B Kivlehan fired over with an assist from Declan McCormack. Bravely, Drumcliffefound two scores to go one up with five mins left. Wing back Conor Gorman stoodup with an outrageous effort which looped for an age before landing on the net.Deadlocked once again! Two mins to go. C/M had chances to win in normal timewith a Finan free dropping short and an effort from E O’Dowd clipping the post.Finan was then cynically fouled by the dugout and a five min delay ensued totreat and replace the captain. The game resumed and was blown up a min later.1.09 to 0.12. All square. Chance for breath! Next episode!
These menwere not to be denied. Maybe for the wounded captain or maybe because they justcould, they were inspired to celestial new heights in extra time. Theyoutscored Drumcliffe 1.03 to 0.1 in the first period. Statement of intent! TheDrumcliffe no.2 seeing a second yellow was a crucial moment also. Two freesfrom sub Raymond Connolly and a gem from midfielder Ray Gallagher were followedby the defining score of this tie. E O’Dowd again linked with Davey beforepilfering a goal of real class to extend the daylight. 2.12 to 0.13. The secondperiod continued in the same vein. Two further clinical frees from Connolly anda fine effort from McCormack left a gap of eight. Drumcliffe did find the netthrough a deflected effort but time was blown on this gripping final. 2.15 to1.13. Unbridled scenes of joy followed as Captain Kieran Finan accepted the JoeMcMorrow cup before the large contigent of supporters.
CustodianFrank Brennan was solid throughout. Shane Marren led the full back line withaplomb and was well supported by Sean Gorman and Enda Kivlehan. Cian O’Dowdagain showed his class at No.6 whilst wings Conor Gorman and Shane Kivlehankept the reigns tight all thru. Gorman’s equaliser stood out. Midfield paringof Brendan Coleman and Ray Gallagher saved their best from for this replay andprofited well all through. Barry Kivlehan was the game’s outstanding performerat no.11, influencing matters from start to finish. John McGowan had a gamefrom the ages on the wing and Declan McCormack continued to impress to the end.On the inside line captain Kieran Finan again showed his undoubted pedigree, notchingfour points before leaving the arena injured. Either side Criostoir Davey andEoghan O’Dowd tormented respective markers all game and displayed the finishinginstinct of great forwards. Those goals never to be forgotten! SubstituteRaymond Connolly proved deadly from placed ball with four from four. AidanColeman, Stephen Barrett and Cian Gorman all impressed when called upon. Sparea thought for injured soldiers Shane O’Brien, Colin Connolly and Matt Conlon.All played a part. It couldn’t have been done without!
All told,this was a resounding team performance borne out of unrelenting work ethic,superior fitness and of course, no little class. It always outs in the end!This team has an ideal blend of experience and youthful audacity. Mostimportantly though all inculcated with belief and confidence from the astutemanagement team of Denis Gormalley and Brendan Kivlehan.
Greatscenes of elation in the aftermath yes, but the difference this time being theywant more. The next step on the journey is already in sight. Ambition is thenew key word and so it should be! Sport witnessed at its finest!
Team: Francis Brennan, Shane Kivlehan, Sean Gorman,Shane Marren, Conor Gorman(0.1), Cian O’Dowd, Enda Kivlehan, Brendan Coleman,Raymond Gallagher(0.1), Declan McCormack(0.1), Barry Kivlehan(0.2), JohnMcGowan(0.1), Criostoir Davey(1.01), Kieran Finan(0.4,2f), Eoghan O’Dowd(1.0).Subs: Raymond Connolly(0.4,4f) for Shane Kivlehan, Aidan Coleman for Kieran Finan(inj),Stephen Barrett for Conor Gorman, Cian Gorman for Eoghan O’Dowd, Kieran Doddy,Trevor Sexton, Barry O’Dowd, Darren Coleman, Colin Marren, James Conlon, ConorMcCormack, Gerard Lynch, James Henry.
We playLeitrim champions Melvin Gaels next Sunday October 16th in Carrickon
Donation:
The clubhas made a donation from the proceeds of our scrap metal event of Eur 500 tothe local Honda 50 Run fundraiser. The beneficiaries this year being thehospice and Brest Cancer charitites.
