SENIOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 2-11; Kerins O’Rahillys 2-6.
Tosach maith leath na h-oibre, a deireann an seanfhocal and that certainly proved true in Connolly Park last Sunday in this year’s Town League final.
Dominating play from the start we were 1-4 to no score in front by the end of the 1st quarter.
With everyone clued in from the off our first score – a goal – came in the 5th minute. The ellusive David Clifford put an inch perfect pass into the path of the onrushing wing back Tommy Costelloe and Tommy shot to roof of the net for a great goal.
Points from Fiachna Mangan (2), Daniel Bohan and Darragh Long followed before Strand Road opened their account with a pointed free in the 20th minute. Two minutes later came our second goal. A quickly taken free by Graham O’Connell found Darragh Long and he was unerring in his finish.
Now ten points down Rahillys fought back and before half time had scored 1-2 to a Graham O’Connell point from play. This left us ahead at the break by 2-5 to 1-3.
We were equally as dominant during the third quarter of the game tagging on a further five points to one for the oposition. Points from play by Mikey Collins and Darragh Long and three from frees by Graham O’Connell. This left us with a lead of three clear goals as we entered the final quarter.
By the 60th minute Rahillys put over another two points to one for us from a Darragh Long free.
Then two minutes into added time Rahillys got their second goal but it was too little, too late and we emerged convincing winners.
TJ Hogan recieved the John Kissane Cup and Pa McCarthy was voted Man of the Match and received the Albert O’Sullivan trophy.
Team: Martin Moriarty, Pa McCarthy, Barry Shanahan, Denis Costelloe, Tommy Costelloe (1-0), TJ Hogan (Capt), Daniel Bohan (0-1), Brián Mangan, Gearoid McCann, David Clifford, Damien Quirke (1-2), Fiachna Mangan (0-2), Graham O’Connell (0-4 – 3 frees), Darragh Long (1-3 – 1 free), Michael Collins (0-1).
Subs: Joey O’Connor (8m), Nessan Crean (38m), Brian Dennehy (55m).
Our next competitive game is in round 1 of the Co. League which is at present scheduled for Sunday, 5th April with an away trip to Annascaul.
Hurling & Football Club