Monday, August 24, 2015

Men's Senior Football Semi-Final: Wolfe Tones v Aidan McAnespies

Wolfe Tones 0-15 Aidan McAnespies 1-6

Wolfe Tones put in a comprehensive performance to reach their second senior football final in a row.  The Tones looked the fitter, sharper team.  After shipping an early second half goal, that in the past would have seen the Tones crumble, this team gathered themselves, shook it off and went about their business, ending up six point winners.

David Hyland gets his hands on this ball.
It was the Tones with a three point advantage at the end of the first period.  Just after the game began tempers flared and most players got involved.  Sensible heads prevailed thankfully and the action got underway in earnest.  Once the Tones settled they looked the more balanced side and generated some well worked scores.  Marty Farrell put a textbook give and go over the bar, Ciaran Hurley a brace, and Dara McVeety added a couple with his running from the half back line.

McAnespies managed to remain in touch as the Tones struggled to get their kickout signals straight.  Tony Donnelly put two points on the trot over from frees after Jemar Hall worked hard to tally a point.  Gareth O’Neill was a ball winner for McAnespies as they enjoyed a spell on top and came within a point of their opponents, but it was the Tones who ended the half the stronger side and added points from Hurley and McVeety, and led by three, 0-8 to 0-5, at the half.

Aidan McAnespies' Jemar Hall has four defenders to contend with.
The second half started with a McAnespies goal.  Ryan Kennedy made a great run from half back and ended with the ball to side step the keeper and put the ball away.  Tied game.  The Tones responded well.  Sean George patrolled the half back line well and read the danger to cut out a handful of attacking moves, while David Hyland did well in the middle of the field.  Points were converted by Hyland, Mike O’Brien, Farrell, McVeety, and Hurley as the Tones gradually recaptured and extended their lead with the ball finding the open man.

With the clock ticking down McAnespies needed a miracle, and it did not look like happening.  The Tones defended well and were in control, options were few and far between for their opponents.  Wolfe Tones into their second final on the trot, this time it is Donegal that they will have to overcome to win their first senior football championship.


Tones:  D. McDonnell, E. Powderley, P. Faulkner, C. Moynagh, S. George, D. McVeety, D. Hyland, G. Brilly, C. McCarthy, M. O’Brien, M. Farrell, C. Hurley, T. O’Connor.  Macs:  P. Coakley, E. Kerins, M. Boyle, G. O’Neill, R. Kennedy, F. McGeough, J. Brickland, M. Day, T. Donnelly, D. Fitzpatrick, C. Healy, J. Hall, C. Donnelly.

By Rory O'Donnell

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