Senior Football: Kerry v Donegal

Kerry 1-11 Donegal 2-11

Donegal held off the challenge of a game Kerry team in the intense heat in Canton.  Kerry started the game much faster than their opponents, however, Donegal lasted the long distance contest, and came out on top one goal winners.  Kerry held a two point lead at the break, however, Paddy McBride’s early second half goal put Donegal on top.  Kerry managed to pull level again one more time, but could not repeat the feat as Donegal finished stronger as time ran down.

Kerry Keeper Stephen Enright and Donegaal's Nicky Kelly - but where is the ball?

Kerry got out of the blocks quickly with a five points to no score start to the game.  Robbie Croft accounted for the first 3, 2 frees and one from play – a fine effort from out on the wing.  Kerry were playing at a blistering pace and in the ascendancy in the early going, and almost had a goal, however Shane O’Callaghan’s initial effort was blocked and second went over the bar.

Emlyn Mulligan shoots for Donegal.

After a handful of missed opportunities, Donegal finally got on the scoreboard with a Nicky Kelly goal, who was at the far post to pick up on a rebound from Mal McDermott shot.  Kerry corner back, David Larkin, straight away made a massive run upfield and after a couple of give and go’s, cancelled out the goal right away.  Donegal inched their way back into it as the initiative swung their way.  Three frees from Mulligan reduced the gap to two as Kerry were forced into fouling to keep the opposition at bay.  The sides traded scores to finish out the half with Kerry on top, and hanging on, 1-7 to 1-5.

The second half saw Donegal turn the tables early, a Paddy McBride goal put the northerners into the lead.  Kerry had to work hard to try and move the ball into scoring position as most players were on defensive duties as Donegal attacked in numbers.  With the half forwards playing deep, options were few and far between when in possession.  Kerry did manage to generate a handful of chances, the best of which fell to Sean Driscoll who blazed wide.  Donegal took their chance right away  with a Rory Kavanagh point followed by McDermott.

From that point on Kerry defended in depth and tried to counterattack, however, with one forward man covered by multiple Donegal defenders it was an arduous task.  The Kerry men hung in though and kept themselves in with a shout with two points from O’Callaghan.  Donegal still had matters under control however.  Gavin Gallagher, Sean Doherty, and Mulligan pointed down the stretch to keep Donegal’s noses ahead, while Kerry’s efforts at pulling off a late goal from high balls were well dealt with by sure hands in the Donegal back line.  Kerry badly in need of a win to keep hope alive in their next outing against Galway in 2 weeks time.

Kerry:  S. Enright, D. Larkin, M. Murphy, R. Driscoll, L. Healy, J. Barry, P. O’Sullivan, E. Mullan, S. Driscoll, R. Kennedy, J. O’Shea, R. Croft, S. O’Callaghan.  Donegal:  M. Boyle, M. Canny, C. Burke, S. Doherty, T. McCleneghan, G. Gallagher, M. McDermott, R. Kavanagh, P. McAleer, N. Kelly, P. McBride, M. Smyth, E. Mulligan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football: Connacht Ladies v Tir na nOg

Connacht Ladies 4-8 Tir na nOg 1-6

Connacht ladies broke the game wide open with four goals early in the second half having come up against a solid defensive wall in the first.  The first half was tight with each side playing some excellent running football, however, the westerners had banged in three goals within the first five minutes of the second half to turn the game on its head, and see them through to the win.

Tir na nOg' defended well in the first half.

Superb defending was the hallmark of Tir na nOg’s first half performance.  The full back line of Jenna Davoran, Alison Taylor, and Rachel Stapleton was outstanding, and the steady hands of Niamh Hynes also kept Connacht Ladies from netting in spite of having worked the ball inside the 21 on several occasions.  At the other end, Nicola Horan stole in behind her marker to slip the ball past Jackie McDonagh and into the net after about 10 minutes as Tir na nOg delivered the goods at each end of the field.  The teams matched each other in the points column, Connacht eventually figured out the effort from range was more likely to produce results.  Jane Ward, Catriona Foley and Tori McLaughlin on the mark for Connacht, while for Tir na nOg it was Louise Bergin, Fiona Morrissey, Sinead Bannon and Horan pointing.  The goal was all that stood between the teams at the break.

Emily Hannon tries to win possession for Connacht Ladies.

Within 5 minutes of the restart Connacht Ladies had turned the game on its head with 3 quick goals.  Aimee McGuckin stole in behind her defender and collected the ball over the top to fire home for the first, Jane Ward reached highest to punch the second one home, and Nicola Donnelly’s floated effort drifted into the far corner of the net – with an added air of good fortune.  With points added from Foley and Donnelly, all of a sudden, Tir na nOg found themselves behind by eight points.

Shauna Jackson, who entered the game as a substitute, pointed from a free after 20 minutes, Tir na nOg’s first score of the second half.  The Brighton based side had failed to take advantage of a decent handful of chances to score, both from play and from free kicks up to that point.  The result was sealed with a fantastic Connacht goal after Tori McLaughlin and Ruth Cox combined to see Foley in with just the keeper to beat, and with just minutes to do there was 11 points in it.  Tir na nOg spirits flagged, and the result was in the bag for Connacht Ladies.  Connacht ladies on top of the table, while Tir na nOg will be figuring out how to maintain form for the full 60 minutes.

Tir na nOg:  N. Hynes, J. Davoran, A. Taylor, R. Stapleton, F. Ni Bhriain, N. Daly, S. Trusiak, F. Morissey, J. Hyland, S. Bannon, C. Nee, L. Bergin, C. Ryan, R. Stapleton, N. Horan.  Connacht Ladies:  J. McDonagh, J. O’Grady, J. McDonald, K. Lynch, T. McLaughlin, H. Potts, A. Griffin, C. McMahon, C. Fitzpatrick, C. Foley, N. Donnelly, R. Cox, E. Hannon, A. McLaughlin, J. Ward.

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior A Football: Cork v Aidan McAnespies

Cork 1-12 Aidan McAnespies 3-9

Sean McConville was the hero of the hour for Aidan McAnespies in their junior football encounter with Cork.  The Monaghan native banged in two fine goals, one in each half, and was pulled down to win a penalty and see Aidan McAnespies junior A side through a test against last years finalists.  The goals came just before half time and late in the second half, each time with Cork in the lead, and wiped out the rebels advantage on both occasions.  The second goal was a killer as the spoils looked like they might be heading Cork’s way as a Mike Moynihan penalty had just put Cork into a one point lead. 

Tommy McKitterick on the attack for Cork.

The first half was a well contested affair with Cork building a three point lead, though the teams were neck and neck for most of the half.  Mike Moynihan tallied the first couple of scores for the rebels before Tom Rigney answered for McAnespies.  Cork worked the ball well upfield, however left themselves open at the back for counterattacks.  With teams level at five points each Cork opened the lead with scores from Peter Wallace and Padraig O’Shea.  However, just before half time Seanie McConville’s persistence, in spite of the efforts of his marker, hit the back of the net with an effort from a tight angle and the teams headed into the break on level terms.

Sean McConville Shoots for McAnespies

McConville also made a big contribution to the McAnespie cause after being pulled down in the box mid way through the second period, and Callum Comiskey sent Ollie Murphy the wrong way with the shot to put Macs on top by a goal.  The spaces opened up as the half wore on and players took advantage, carrying the ball on both sides.  Cian Horan won a penalty for Cork after he was pulled down following a long run, and it was Moynihan to slotted the kick home. 

The goal put Cork one to the good as Moynihan had put a free over earlier to break the tie, however the lead did not last long.  Comiskey broke through the Cork defence and hit inrushing McConville with a pass that McConville buried into the far corner of the net.  With the initiative in their favor, McAnespies drove forward to point twice, Darragh Murphy and Shane Lynn made it a four point game.  Cork got within a goal with a point Padraig O’Shea, however a tying goal was not on the cards for the rebels.  With the win, McAnespies junior As maintain a 100% record along with the senior team.

Cork:  Ollie Murphy, E. Barry, M. Carolan, T. McKitterick, J. Lynch, D. O’Donovan, G. Bastible, C. Horan, P. O’Shea, M. Moynihan, S. Kennedy, C. Caffrey, P. Wallace.  Macs:  E. McKenna, P. Daly, M. McQuaid, C. Comiskey, T. Rigney, R. McCrystal, E. Hamill, D. Fitzpatrick, S. O’Kane, S. McConville, D. Spratt, D. Murphy, D. Kennedy.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Shannon Blues v Donegal

Donegal 0-14 Shannon Blues 3-10

There was plenty of talking points to keep the punters going for the week following this highly anticipated game.  Unfortunately most of it will have little to do with the football itself.  There were three sendings off, and probably should have been more following a melee just before half time.  The game was testy throughout and the Blues came out on the winning end having played the last 20 minutes or so with 11 men to Donegal’s 12.

Tony McCleneghan tries to move Donegal forward.

The Blues pulled away into a four points to one lead before the first incident.  Emlyn Mulligan and Trevor Wallace had each been shown a yellow card after the two got into a tangle off the ball, and shortly afterwards both walked following an off the ball incident about which referee Mairtin Mannion consulted with the umpires at that end of the field.  Barry Dwyer, who lined out at center forward for the Blues was in fine form, full of energy and running and a goal and two points to his name in the early going, the goal followed a Guthrie run through the middle.  Paudi O’Shea put a lovely effort over the bar from out on the wing and the Blues were most definitely in the ascendancy.  Kieran Hurley added a second goal for the Blues shortly afterwards, and the champions were firmly in control.

Darrren Wallace recovered from this tumble to set up a point for Kieran Hurley.

Donegal managed to gain a foothold and scores came from Rory Dunleavy, Mal McDermott, and Eunan Doherty.  The testy nature of the encounter continued though, and eventually the niggling between Darragh Roche and Conor Burke, who had come on as sub, flared up just before the break.  While not all players were involved there was more than enough to keep the referee and linesman conferring for several minutes.  Eventually, and half time was blown with no cards shown and the Blues ahead by 2-8 to 0-8.

In an effort to cool things down the teams were asked to gather their players and remind them to focus on the football before the restart.   Donegal almost pulled a goal back, however, Paddy McAleer’s shot came off the crossbar and Gavin Gallagher tidied up with a point.  A McDermott free reduced the deficit to 4 points, and then the Blues Kieran Hurley was shown a second yellow for his challenge on the Donegal keeper who had just gathered a high ball.  Rory Kavanagh added another Donegal point and things were set up for a grand finale with a goal in it and Donegal with a one man advantage.

The Blues had other ideas.  Greg Horan scored a cracking goal reminiscent of Eoin Mulligans for Tyrone against Dublin 10 years ago.  Horan sold two dummies before firing the ball into the roof of the net from outside the 14.  The Blues had the adrenalin coursing through the veins now, Conor Mullen casually slotted over from distance and Conor Jordan made it an eight point difference with the game entering the end stages.  Donegal heads were down and some late points improved the scoreline but made no change to the outcome.  A great win for the Blues coming into the second half of the championship, and for Donegal a time to regroup.

Donegal:  J. Nockor, S. Doherty, M. Canny, T. McCleneghan, D. Green, G. Gallagher, M. Smyth, R. Kavanagh, R. Dunleavey, M. McDermott, E. Doherty, P. McBride, E. Mulligan.  Blues:  D. O’Brien, T. Wallace, C. Jordan, P. O’Shea, T. Grey, L. O’Connell, W. Guthrie, G. Horan, D. Wallace, B. Dwyer, D. McElligott, D. Roche, K. Hurley.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Kerry v Connemara Gaels

Connemara Gaels 1-19 Kerry 1-14

After being neck and neck for most of the game the Gaels finished strong to pull away in the last 10 minutes and take their first points of the season.  Tony Brosnan was the man on the mark for the Gaels with some fine scores in the last 15 minutes, and newcomer from Pomeroy, Kieran McGeary, made a fantastic debut at corner back for the Gaels.   

Matthew Murphy coming out of defence for Kerry.

Kerry held a slender two point lead at the break.  Eoin Connolly will be having second thoughts about a short kickout attempt that Robbie Croft was alert to, and the Dubliner made a short pass to Shane O’Callaghan who buried the chance.  The Gaels had just worked their way into the game before the goal came.  Kerry started by attacking in waves from the half back line.  David Larkin was particularly effective coming forward, and in the middle of the field Lawrence Healy saw plenty of ball.  Early scores were converted by Sean Driscoll, Ronan Kennedy, and Phil O’Sullvian before the Gaels finally got off the mark.  Martin Farragher, Tony Brosnan, and Noel Graham converted. 

Lawrence Healy looks for options.

With the teams level Croft pointed a free, and then the goal came.  The Gaels gathered themselves and buckled down.  Brosnan put a fine score over the bar, midfielder Frank Burns, and corner forward Farragher followed.  Connolly redeemed himself before half time with a fine save when it looked like goal number two was on the cards for Kerry.  1-7 to 0-8 for Kerry at the half.

The second half was peppered with some well taken points and the sides could not separate from each other.  The Gaels got a visible lift from a blistering Sean Conneely goal about 10 minutes into the half.  Conneely hit the ball off the underside of the bar from 14 yards as he steamed in from the right side.  The sides we now level and it was anybody’s game. Brosnan added two scores after the goal and it was tit for tat from that point on. 

Phil O’Sullivan and Tony Brosnan provided an exhibition of point taking and traded some excellent scores.  When Kerry tried to find dangerman O’Callaghan in the corner, however, McGeary was alert to the threat.  Connolly more than made up for his first half gaffe with three superb saves to deny Kerry a second goal as the Gaels rearguard did their bit.  Having weathered the Kerry storm, the Gaels pulled away in the final 10 minutes after Sean Driscoll had pointed to level the scores.  A Robbie Croft 45 was all that Kerry had in answer to six Gaels points down the stretch.  Sean Conneely put two points over the bar to underline a strong finish from the Gaels to get two points towards their playoff push.

Gaels: E. Connolly, C. Fahy, K. McGeary, D. Doolan, R. Caffrey, C. Mulkerrins, K. Murphy, F. Burns, S Conneeley, N. Graham, F. Cooney, M. Farragher, T. Brosnan.  Kerry: S. Enright, J. Barry, M. Murphy, J. O’Shea, R. Driscoll, D. Larkin, L. Healy, E. Mullan, R. Kennedy, S. Driscoll, P. O’Sullivan, R. Croft, S. O’Callaghan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Aidan McAnespies v Christopher's

Christopher’s 1-13 Aidan McAnespies 3-13

Aidan McAnespies continued their hundred percent record with a comprehensive victory over Christopher’s.  A good all round display and some timely scores, a goal on the stroke of half time and another late in the second half, put the game away for the Macs men.

Christopher’s got off to a flying start with four unanswered points Sean White, Aherlow man Tom Fahy, and two frees from Cathal Vaughan opened an early lead.  It did not take McAnespies long to settle, a few wayward passes early on were corrected and the scores started to come.  Danny Tallon who was deployed at center forward looked a natural, bursting through at the right times, and combined well with Chris Healy for a score.  Tallon also had 3 more to his name before the half was done.

Johnny Brickland in possession for McAnespies with Eanna O'Connchuir in attendance..

The introduction of Johnny Brickland, who interestingly did not start the game, helped McAnespies fortunes on the field, but not before Christopher’s had restored their lead.  A soccer style goal from Eoghan Buckely put Christopher’s four points ahead, a lead they managed to maintain right up to the final minute of injury time.  A goal was on the cards for McAnespies however.  Having pointed three on the trot from Healy, Tallon, and Tony Donnelly, a goal came from the boot of Kildare man Healy right on the half time whistle to make it a 1-8 to 1-6 McAnespies half time lead.

Collie Donnelly got McAnespies off to a fine start to the second period with a goal.  The sides sputtered somewhat after the fast pace of the opening period had sapped much energy from the legs of players on each side.  Christopher’s generated plenty of chances to score, however the shooting was not as sharp as was needed, perhaps fatigue taking its toll.  Fahy and Mark Delaney eventually found the mark to narrow the gap to two points, however, it did not look as though a knockout punch would be coming from Christopher’s. 

Tony Donnelly points as Paudie Kenneally attempts a block.

It did come from McAnespies.  Christopher’s keeper Eoghan Keogh had just made a brilliant save from Donnelly who shot from inside the penalty area.  After the 45 drifted wide the next goal chance came from the kickout.  Donnelly had the ball in a similar position as a minute before, but this time made the extra pass to Healy who crashed the ball into the roof of the open net.  It was now a two goal McAnespies lead and there was less than 10 minutes to go.  Christopher’s pushed for a goal, but McAnespies had victory in sight and closed off the routes to goal.  Just over half way through the senior football championship and it is McAnespies setting the pace. 

Christopher’s:  E. Keogh, K. Fulignati, L. Ketterick, E. O’Neill, S. White, P. Kenneally, M. Delaney, R. Harkin, T. Fahy, E. O’Connochuir, D. Flannery, E. Buckely, C. Vaughan.  Macs:  M. McMahon, R. Kennedy, E. Kerins, M. Boyle, B. Greenan, M. Bogue, M. Day, C. Donnelly, J. Cox, D. Tallon, F. McGeough, T. Donnelly, C. Healy.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Galway

Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-21 Galway 1-18

Fr. Tom’s put rivals Galway to the sword with a six point win.  The teams were neck and neck entering the final quarter, and it was Tom’s who had the kick in the final stretch to come away with both points in a very entertaining game.  Dylan Costello netted at a critical time, and the goal was followed by two excellent points from Paul Winters and David O’Mahoney to propel Tom’s to victory.

Barrry Whelan on his way to earning a penalty for Galway.

Tom’s had the two point cushion at the break.  Galway had the better of things early on and led by four with 15 minutes played.  Galway had netted early on through Barry Whelan, and with the sides level at 1-2 to five points Galway went on a five points to one tear.  John Moylan accounted for 3, Jack McDowell and Robert O’Hanrahan the balance.  It could have been a larger gap, however a Moylan penalty was saved by Alan Keating to give Tom’s a lifeline that they grasped with both hands. 

It was their turn now to tally the scores.  A David O’Mahoney goal brought Tom’s into it.  The Portlaoise man was found sitting on the 21 with space, and having made a clean fetch, turned and fired into the roof of the net to put Tom’s up by a point.  Moylan and Winters traded frees, and O’Mahoney got the odd score to edge Tom’s into a two point half time lead.

John Moylan in possession. 

The game went to and fro in the second half, with Galway edging into a lead after 20 minutes.  O’Mahoney and Shane Howley added to Tom’s lead with a point apiece to get things going for the second half.  Galway worked their way back into the game.  Moylan (3) and Stephen Roche pointed to bring Galway level, before Darragh Murray put the tribesmen ahead.  Things got heated as the game was in the balance and tensions rose – each side wanted this one badly.  Toms’ Kevin Dunne and Galway’s Kieran Mahon were shown yellows by referee Ger Hoey. 

After wasting two good chances to draw level, Tom’s jumped into the lead with a goal after the alert Dylan Costello pounced on a rebound to pull on the ball and drive it into the net.  While Galway tried to shuffle the deck and revitalize their efforts for the final 10 minutes, Tom’s were roused and finished with four points on the trot.  One in particular was the product of excellent teamwork.  The fearless Shane Howley fetched in traffic and handpassed to O’Mahoney, who with his back to goal neatly turned the ball over his left shoulder and over the bar.  Dubliner Paul Winters followed with a great effort from out on the wing and the game was firmly in hand.  Tom’s join Tipperary in the top spot, though Tipp can regain sole position with a win against Wexford next Sunday.

Tom’s:  A. Keating, S. Og Lyon, C. Burgin, S. McClennard, K. Kennedy, S. Dolan, D. Costello, L. O’Neill, C. Burke, S. Howley, P. Winters, D. O’Mahoney, K. Dunne.  Galway:  K. Hammersley, M. Lennon, O. Teagle, O. Keevers, S. O’Neill, JJ Doyle, S. Roche, R. O’Hanrahan, C. Wafer, B. Whelan, D. Murray, J. Moylan, J. MacDowell.

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior Hurling: Worcester v Tipperary

Tipperary 1-15 Worcester 2-7

Worcester made their foray into the higher levels of junior hurling for the first time Sunday afternoon.  In an unusual start, a clash of colours meant that the visitors had to don red bibs for the duration of the game, and Tipperary started the game a handful of players short of the 13.  Worcester led at the break, and in spite of battling hard in the second half, the Worcester men ended up on the losing end as Tipperary pulled away to end up five point winners.

Tipperary Corner Back, Craig Gillis breaks away to clear the ball.

Worcester held a one point lead at the break, in large part thanks to 2 goals from PJ Heffernan.  Both goals came in the latter part of the half.  Tipp keeper, Sean Delaney had made a good stop from Liam Kelly’s shot and Heffernan was on hand to clean up the rebound for the first.  Heffernan was again on hand at the edge of the box to poach another away just before the break. 

Tipp had got off to a good start although the Premier men started the game with just 10 players.  Simon Sinnott, Pat Moriarty pointed before Skippy O’Donnell netted from outside the 14.  Johnny McGrath was playing well in the Tipp half back line, however, the Worcester men gradually worked their way into the game and Dan Swetland’s striking from the dead ball was on the mark.  Brendan Greene added a point from play to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Worcester.  It was Moriarty putting them over for Tipp who had eventually filled out their ranks to the full 13 by the time half time came.

The pace of the game picked up in the second half with the teams at parity in terms of personnel.  Tipperary put the first 3 points over the bar with Liam Butler the man on the mark.  Worcester had several chances to add to their tally, but some wayward shooting saw a yield of just 2 points for their efforts.  Moriarty tallied three in a row to put Tipperary into a five point lead with the last 10 minutes to go.  

Worcester worked hard to generate a goal chance that would give them a lifeline, but Tipp had the game sewn up at that stage and a goal looked a remote possibility.  The teams traded points to finish out the game.  A first taste of the higher level of junior hurling for Worcester who acquitted themselves well against an opposition of seasoned veterans and skilled young players.

Tipp:  S. Delaney, C. Gillis, D. O’Brien, J. McGrath, M. Moriarty, S. Sinnott, P. Moriarty, B. Crowley, L. Butler, S. Kennedy, K. O’Donnell, B. O’Regan, J. McGrath. Worcester:   J. Grimes, M. Dufresne, M. O’Connor, J. Donahue, D. Swetland, D. Smith, Sean O’Shaughnessy, J. , B. Greene, Seamus O’Shaughnessy, M. Dufault, L. Kelly, PJ Heffernan.

By Rory O'Donnell