Minor Co. League Rd 2:
Austin Stacks 2-13; An Ghaeltacht 1-10.
This Round 2 Co. League game played in ideal conditions at Gallarus last Saturday afternoon (10th March) produced some super football by both sides.
We lead by seven points to two at the end of the first quarter. But the West Kerry boys had a brilliant second quarter and in the space of seven minutes had not alone wiped out that lead but went into a two points lead themselves.
Coming up to half time we got back on track with two points to level matters at half time (0-9 to 1-6).
The game started with two early points from play by Ciaran Flanagan and Ciaran O’Connell which were followed by two from An Ghaeltacht by the seventh minute.
With Shane Walsh and Ciaran O’Connell dominating midfield we took control putting over five more without reply. Greg Horan and Kyle Fitzgibbon with two each and one from an acute angle by Ciaran O’Connell were the scorers.
Then An Ghaeltacht went on that scoring spree which culminated in a 16th minute goal. The initial shot was brilliantly saved by Shane Begley but the rebound was scrambled to the net following a defensive mix-up. We could have gone further behind between then and half time but for a number of other brilliant saves by Shane.
A pointed free by Greg and one from play by Danny left the sides level at the break.
A tentative start to the second half by both sides saw eleven minutes elapse before the first score came – another Danny Carroll point.
Two pointed frees by An Ghaeltacht gave them the lead once more.
But then in a game-changing three minutes we banged in two match-winning goals. The first came in the 45th minute when the quick-thinking Ciaran O’Connell’s fast free found Danny Carroll who slotted to the net.
Then three minutes later a good run by Conor Jordan (what a super game he had at centre back) found Greg Horan who laid off to Kyle Fitzgibbon and he coolly placed the ball beyond the keeper for a well-taken goal.
Two pointed frees from An Ghaeltach followed (all their four second half points came from placed balls).
Then three good points from play by Danny Carroll (2) and Greg Horan sealed a very good six points victory.
Tom McLoughlin had to be replaced with nine minutes remaining after he picked up an ankle injury. We all wish Tom a speedy recovery.
Let us take this opportunity to wish Daniel Bohan a speedy recovery also from the injury he picked up while playing with Kerry last Sunday.
Team: Shane Begley, Paul Galvin, Barry Walsh, Tom McLoughlin, Joseph O’Kelly, Conor Jordan, Aidan McQuinn, Shane Walsh, Ciaran O’Connell (0-2), James Galvin, Greg Horan (0-4 – 2 frees), Alan Duggan, Kyle Fitzgibbon (1-2 – 1 free), Danny Carroll (1-4), Ciaran Flanagan (0-1).
Subs: Eamon McAllen (ht), Eoghan McKivergan (48m), Shane Greensmyth (51m), Paddy Fitzgibbon (55m).
In round 3 we travel to Glenflesk on St. Patrick’s Day (next Sat). Throw in 4pm.