Minor Co. League Div. 1
Austin Stacks 1-8 An Ghaeltacht 0-04
Our Minors captured the Club’s 5th MF Co. League title (titles won also in 1973, 1979, 1994 and 2000) when they had seven points to spare over a fancied An Ghaeltacht side at Lispole on this Friday evening (17th May). Both sides were slow to settle, due partly to the strong cross-field wind which favoured us in the first half. Almost ten minutes had elapsed before Seán Ryan and Greg Horan combined well with Kyle Fitzgibbon who opened the scoring. A minute later Michael O’Donnell fielded the kick-out, as good as Mick O’Connell ever did, found Ciarán Flanagan and Flan put over a beauty. Kyle Fitzgibbon added another from a free in the 15th minute.
The Gaeltacht boys scored their opener in the 23rd minute, but between then and half time we added another three, with Seán Ryan and Greg Horan from play and a Kyle free in between to leave us ahead at half time by 0-6 to 0-1.
The elements now favoured An Ghaeltacht in the second half and within five minutes of the restart they had two points from play. But then, through a combination a brilliant defending by us and some off-form shooting the opposition squandered a number of chances.
Our first score of this half came in the 48th minute. Eamon McAllen won possession and found corner back, Colin Griffin on the attack and Colin, with the outside of his left foot flicked over a superb point.
With five minutes to go the West Kerry side pointed again to leave just three points between the sides.
But the score that settled the game came two minutes later. Brilliant work by Michael O’Donnell and Eamon McAllen saw the ball break in the square and who was on hand to steer it to the net but Seán Dukes, who had been on the pitch for only four minutes at that stage.
Another brilliant move a minute later saw Eamon McAllen put the icing on the cake with the final point of the game.
This was as good a display as we have seen in ages by any team at any grade. From goalkeeper out we not only defended superbly but how many times did we witness our back line come up field, especially in that second half when another team, with a six points lead at half time, might revert to a defensive mode.
No one will quibble when Conor Jordan was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match but in truth any of the 17 who played could be in contention for the award.
Brian Horgan, just back from an injury he picked up in the semi final, didn’t have a lot to do (that tells us how good his front men played) but his superb kick-outs always found a team mate, despite that strong wind. Dylan Hartnett and Colin Griffin must be the two best corner backs in the county. Eoghan McKivergan (nephew of Martin) has made the full back spot his own and how many times have we seen him launch an attack with his runs out of defence.
Our half back line is as solid as you will find anywhere. Very little will ever pass Barry Walsh, Conor Jordan or Joseph O’Kelly.
And what more can be said about our midfielders – Greg Horan and Michael O’Donnell fielded superbly and their distribution must be a joy for any forward to latch onto.
Sean Ryan’s incisive runs through the defence was in evidence again this evening, capitalized by his brilliant 26th minute point. The support play of wing forwards James O’Connor and James Galvin often goes without comment but their link play with other colleagues and their positional play as witnessed this evening when in the right place at the right time to prevent an opposition attack developing out of defence.
And any one of our three full forwards – Eamon, Flan and Kyle – can each be match winners on any given day. Between them, so far this season, they have amassed a total of 5-51.
And what a luxury to have such a quality bench! Two subs were only used this evening. Shane Greensmyth could play effectively in any position as he has done all season. And what an impact substitute 16 year old Seán Dukes has been. On his debut at Minor level last February he scored a goal. His goal this evening, when only four minutes on the pitch showed all the instincts of a goal-poacher supreme – bringing his total scored so far to 3-5.
Well done again to the whole squad and to those super team mentors, Seanie Power, Tim McMahon, Joe Smith and Peter Williams.
Team: Brian Horgan, Dylan Hartnett, Eoghan McKivergan, Colin Griffin (0-1), Barry Walsh, Conor Jordan, Joseph O’Kelly, Greg Horan (Capt) (0-1), Michael O’Donnell (0-1), James O’Connor, Seán Ryan (0-1), James Galvin, Eamon McAllen (0-1), Ciaran Flanagan, Kyle Fitzgibbon (0-3 – 2 frees).
Subs: Shane Greensmyth (38m), Seán Dukes (53m) (1-0).
Footnote: It is interesting to note some of the connections with the current squad and previous League winners. Wearing No. 13 on today’s team was Eamon McAllen while wearing the same number on the 2000 team was his late Uncle, Andrew. Seanie Power was team Manager today while his father, Jackie was a mentor on the 2000 team. Corner back, Colin Griffin, one of the three 16 year olds on the team (Seán Dukes and Michael O’Donnell, the other two) had a brilliant game and his Dad, Tommy, was corner forward on the 1994 winning team. Also on the 1994 winning team was Peter Williams, a selector on today’s team. And on the 1979 was the great Denny Walsh, whose son, Barry was on today’s team. And I’m sure we will be told of other connections which we have missed.
One final comment – it was a great day for midfielder, Michael O’Donnell (the youngest player on the panel and grandson of another Rock legend, David Lucid) who was celebrating his 16th birthday.
Austin Stacsk Minor Co. League Div. 1 Champions 2013.
