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.
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| 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.
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| 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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