Mayo 6-6

Galway 2-8

Gerard Mulreaney reports at Tuam Stadium

SINÉAD WALSH AND Lisa Cafferky both scored two goals as Mayo earned their place in the semi-finals of the Lidl NFL after victory over rivals Galway at Tuam Stadium.

The hosts were looking to bounce back from their opening round defeat in Donegal but it was Mayo who made it back-to-back wins with Ciara Whyte and Sinéad Cafferky also on target bringing their goals tally to 13 in two Division 1A games.

Mairéad Seoighe and Kate Slevin scored the goals for Galway but they suffered a heavy defeat.

Playing with the aid of a very strong breeze, Mayo got off to the perfect start and after just five minutes corner-forward Walsh beat Eimile Gavin to the ball, turned and scored low past Alannah Griffin in the Galway goal. Galway responded immediately, Seoighe muscled past Sherin El Massry to score an excellent goal with her left foot.

The sides then traded points, a free from Aoife O’Rourke for Galway and a fine score from Walsh, with the assistance of both Aoife Geraghty and Sarah Mulvihill in the build-up.

However, Mayo took the initiative in the eleventh minute when Whyte scored their second goal, as she palmed the ball into the net following a great pass from Mulvihill. And then just ahead of the water break Lisa Cafferky got on the end of a superb interchange between Walsh and Whyte to score another goal.

Galway had lots of possession after the concession of those two goals but some excellent defending from Eilis Ronayne, Sinéad Cafferky and Danielle Caldwell kept them at bay, with only an Ailbhe Davoren point to show for their efforts, as Mayo led by 3-3 to 1-3 at half-time.

Three goals in five second half minutes settled this game as Sinéad Cafferky, the superb Lisa Cafferky and Walsh scored goals in a dominant spell.

Galway battled well throughout but were no match for Mayo, however a late cameo from Slevin, who scored 1-4 in the second half, put a gloss on the scoreline.

Scorers for Mayo: S Walsh 2-2, L Cafferky 2-1, C Whyte 1-0, S Cafferky 1-0, S Howley 0-3 (2f).

Scorers for Galway: K Slevin 1-4 (1-0 pen) (2f), M Seoighe 1-1, A O’Rourke 0-1, L Coen 0-1, A Davoren 0-1.

Mayo: A Tarpey; É Ronayne, S El Massry, D Caldwell; T O’Connor, F McHale, K Sullivan; S Cafferky, A Geraghty; S Mulvihill, L Cafferky, S Howley; S Walsh, C Whyte, M Reilly.

Subs: S Lally for Ronayne (30), M McHale for Reilly (35), R Flynn for O’Connor (48), R Baynes for Whyte (40), R Flynn for O’Connor (48), T Needham for Walsh (55), H Reape for McHale (55), C Needham for Howley (55), N Hession for Sullivan (58), G Flynn for L Cafferky (59), L Moran for Geraghty (59), N McVann for Caldwell (59).

Galway: A Griffin; S Molloy, E Gavin, A Ní Cheallaigh; E Power, C Cooney, J Burke; A Davoren, S Ní Loingsigh; L Coen, M Seoighe, L Finnegan; A O’Rourke, A Trill, D Keane.

Subs: K Slevin for O’Rourke (30), L Booth for Finnegan (35), C Trill for Power (35), L Scanlon for Keane (39), F Cooney for Gavin (46).

Referee: Kevin Phelan (Laois).

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Mayo 0-15
Armagh 1-10

Colm Gannon reports at Hyde Park

IF YOU WANTED entertainment then Hyde Park was the place to be as Mayo and Armagh went blow for blow in a thrilling league encounter.

The contest was finally put to bed when Paddy Durcan slotted over from close range at the end of a coast-to-coast move that started after Aidan O’Shea had filed a effort from a Rian O’Neill free as he looked to level the game up.

Armagh hit the front early doors when Ciaran Mackin looped the ball over the head of Rory Byrne and into the back of the Mayo net seconds after throw-in.

Byrne was just getting himself accustomed to starting after being a late replacement for Rob Hennelly who appeared to have got injured in the warm up.

Armagh were 1-3 to 0-1 up by the tenth minute with Stefan Campbell, Jason Duffy and Rory Grugan all landing points, with a Ryan O’Donoghue pointed mark in response for Mayo.

Mayo then hit four on the spin to go within one point of Armagh with a brace from O’Donoghue follows by scores from Matthew Ruane and Diarmuid O’Connor. Rian O’Neill hit a fantastic score from the right followed by a long range free to extend Armagh’s lead with O’Donoghue pointing a long range free to pull Mayo back to within two points at the break.

Mayo pulled themselves level within four minutes of the restart thanks to points from an Aiden Orme mark and a O’Connor effort from play. Ciaran McGeeney’s men hit back with points from Grugan and Conor Turbitt to extend their lead back out to two on 45 minutes.

O’Donoghue brought Mayo back to within a point from a free, before O’Neill nailed a huge effort from a placed ball, Kevin McLoughlin replied for Mayo to leave one in it, before a brace of points inside a minute from Aiden Nugent looked to have Armagh heading home with the points as they went three clear.

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But Mayo dug in and they reeled off five points on the bounce in the final five minutes, O’Donoghue kicked two frees, the Paddy Durcan levelled it up – Jordan Flynn slipped one over from close range to put Mayo one up and the final word was left to Durcan at the end of a rip roaring encounter.

Scorers for Mayo: Ryan O’Donoghue (0-7, 5f, 1m), Diarmuid O’Connor (0-2), Paddy Durcan (0-2), Jordan Flynn (0-1), Mattie Ruane (0-1), Aiden Orme (0-1, 1f) , Kevin McLoughlin (0-1)

Scorers for Armagh: Rian O’Neill (0-3, 2f), Ciaran Mackin (1-0), Rory Grugan (0-2, 1f), Adiin Nugent (0-2), Stefan Campbell (0-1), Conor Turbit (0-1), Jason Duffy (0-1)

Mayo

16. Rory Byrne (Castlebar Mitchels)

2. Lee Keegan (Westport)

3. Rory Brickenden (Westport)

4. Michael Plunkett (Ballintubber)

5. Oisín Mullin (Kilmaine)

6. Stephen Coen (Hollymount-Carramore)

7. Sam Callinan (Ballina Stephenites)

8. Jordan Flynn (Crossmolina Deel Rovers)

9. Matthew Ruane (Breaffy)

10. Fionn McDonagh (Westport)

11. Diarmuid O’Connor (Ballintubber)

12. Conor Loftus (Crossmolina Deel Rovers)

13. Aiden Orme (Knockmore)

14. Frank Irwin (Ballina Stephenites)

15. Ryan O’Donoghue (Belmullet)

Subs: 23. Kevin McLoughlin (Knockmore) for Irwin, 19. Paddy Durcan (Castlebar Mitchels) for Brickenden, 20. Padraig O’Hora (Ballina Stephenites) for Callinan, 22. Aidan O’Shea (Breaffy for Loftus), 25. Jack Carney (Kilmeena) for McDonagh, 26. Fergal Boland (Aghamore) for McLoughlin,

Armagh

16. Ethan Rafferty (An Ghrainseach),

2. Paddy Burns (Peadar Ó Doirnin Foirceal)

3. Aidan Forker (An Machaire)

4. Aaron McKay (Dromainn Ti)

5. Connaire Mackin (Sheáin Ui Néil Camloch)

6. Niall Rowland (Na Gormacha Baile Mhic Cholla)

7. Jarly Óg Burns (Beal Atha an Airgid)

8. Ciaran Mackin (Shéain Uí Néil Camloch)

24. Ben Crealey (An Machaire)

22. Stefan Campbell (An Logáin Clann na Gael)

11. Rory Grugan (Na Cloigthithe Baile Mhic an Aba)

12. Tiernan Kelly (Clann Éireann)

13. Jason Duffy (Naomh Padraig Coillech Eanach)

14. Rian O’Neill (Raonaithe Na Croise)

15. Aidan Nugent (Naomh Padraig Coilleach Eanach)

Subs: 21. Conor Turbitt (Clann Éireann) for Duffy, 17. James Morgan (Raonaithe Na Croise) for McKay, 9. Stephen Sheridan (Peader Ó Doirnin) for Crealey, 20. Oisin O’Neill (Raonaithe Na Croise) for Rowland , 18. Conor O’Neill (Cill Sleibhe) for Forker

Referee: David Coldrick (Meath)

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Galway 0-15
Wexford 2-15

John Fallon reports at Pearse Stadium

WEXFORD CONTINUED THEIR perfect start to the league under new manager Darragh Egan as they carved out a fully merited win over a Galway side which struggled to get going in Salthill.

Wexford held an edge throughout and capably dealt with a Galway revival after the restart to make it three wins from three.

Wexford led by 1-9 to 0-7 at half-time having had the diagonal breeze in their favour and they were good value for that lead having displayed a much sharper first touch than Galway.

Their half-back line of Connal Flood, Paudie Foley and Damien Reck were on top and that ensured a plentiful supply of ball into an attack where Rory O’Connor, who hit three points in the opening half, was particularly sharp.

He was also involved in setting up the only goal of the half along with Mikie Dwyer with Cathal Dunbar, a late replacement for Conor McDonald, supplying the finish.

That put Wexford ahead by double scores, 1-7 to 0-5, after 24 minutes after a good spell when they hit 1-4 without reply in a seven minute spell.

Foley provided a couple of points from long-range frees as they pulled away after the sides were level three times in the opening quarter.

Galway, who lined out without full-forward Conor Whelan, kept in touch with three frees from Conor Cooney, while John Fleming, Kevin Cooney and Cathal Mannion, along with wing-backs Gearoid McInerney and Adrian Tuohey, also hit the range.

Conor Cooney led the way as Galway hit back after the restart and five points from and one from Joseph Cooney got them back on level terms after 51 minutes, with Jack O’Connor getting Wexford’s only score in that period.

Galway goalkeeper Darach Fahy did superbly to deny Cathal Dunbar but Diarmuid O’Keeffe edged them in front after 53 minutes and they never lost that lead.

Galway captain Daithi Burke was blocked by Dunbar and Oisin Pepper struck for Wexford’s second goal after 55 minutes to lead by 2-11 to 0-13 and with Simon Donohoe and Rory O’Connor tacking on points, there was no way back for the Tribesmen as they fell to their first league defeat under Henry Shefflin.

Scorers for Galway: Conor Cooney 0-9 (0-7f, 0-1 sideline), Gearoid McInerney 0-1, Adrian Tuohey 0-1, Joseph Cooney 0-1, Cianan Fahy 0-1, John Fleming 0-1, Kevin Cooney 0-1.

Scorers for Wexford: Rory O’Connor 0-5 (0-1f), Oisin Pepper 1-1, Cathal Dunbar 1-0, Diarmuid O’Keeffe 0-2, Paudie Foley 0-2 (0-2f), Jack O’Connor 0-2 (0-2f), Mikie Dwyer 0-1, Liam Og McGovern 0-1, Simon Donohoe 0-1.

Galway

1 Darach Fahy (Ardrahan)

2 Jack Grealish (Gort), 3 Daithi Burke (Turloughmore), 4 Fintan Burke (St Thomas’)

6 Gearoid McInerney (Oranmore-Maree), 5 Padraic Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh), Adrian Tuohey (Beagh)

8 Joseph Cooney (Sarsfields), 9 Ronan Glennon (Mullagh)

12 Tom Monaghan (Craughwell), 11 Conor Cooney (St Thomas’), 10 Cianan Fahy (Ardrahan)

15 Cathal Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh), 26 Kevin Cooney (Sarsfields), 13 John Fleming (Meelick/Eyrecourt)

Substitutes:

18 TJ Brennan (Ardrahan) for P Mannion (14)

24 Jack Hastings (Liam Mellows) for Monaghan (36)

14 Evan Niland (Clarinbridge) for Fleming (36)

22 David Burke (St Thomas’) for Glennon (60)

25 Niall Burke (Oranmore-Maree) for K Cooney (65)

Wexford

1 Mark Fanning (Glynn-Barncourt)

2 Simon Donohoe (Shelmaliers), 25 Shane Reck (Oylegate-Glenbrien), 5 Matthew O’Hanlon (St James’),

7 Connal Flood (Cloughbawn), 6 Paudie Foley (Crossabeg-Ballymurn), 4 Damien Reck (Oylegate-Glenbrien)

8 Kevin Foley (Rapparees), 9 Diarmuid O’Keeffe (St Anne’s)

12 Charlie McGuckin (Naoimh Eanna), 11 Jack O’Connor (St Martin’s), 15 Rory O’Connor (St Martins’)

10 Liam Óg McGovern (St Anne’s), 13 Mikie Dwyer (St Mogue’s Fethard), 18 Cathal Dunbar (Naoimh Eanna)

Substitutes:

24 Oisin Pepper (Rapparees) for Dwyer (45)

19 Oisin Foley (Crossabeg-Ballymurm) for J O’Connor (51)

21 Rory Higgins (Rathnure) for McGovern (59)

20 Conor Hearne (Shelmaliers) for K Foley (63)

22 Richie Lawlor (Faythe Harriers) for McGuckian (70)

Referee: John Keenan (Wicklow).

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Derry 2-13
Clare 0-10

Paraic McMahon reports from Cusack Park

FOUR ROUNDS IN and Rory Gallagher’s Derry look primed to seal promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz National Football League. The unbeaten Ulster men are on course to advance to the top tier having lined out in Division 3 last season.

Benny Heron’s thirty eighth minute goal was the key moment in this contest, the corner forward quelling Clare’s lively start to the second half and firmly putting the visitors in the driving seat. Derry led for the entirety of the contest but the gulf between the sides extended once Heron raised the green flag.

With a spread of eleven scorers in comparison to Clare’s six, Derry were full value for their victory. They found joy finding gaps in the Clare defence and most importantly they were converting scores when doing so.

Paul Cassidy and Oisin McWilliams fired over scores inside the opening three minutes to put Derry ahead, Aaron Griffin opened Clare’s account with their next attack before Padraig McGrogan and Keelan Sexton traded efforts. Sexton’s free arising following a sequence of play lasting close to four minutes when Colm Collins’ men patiently tried to break down the opposing defence.

Derry then kicked three of the next four scores to carve out a 0-06 0-03 advantage but the hosts through Sexton and Eoin Cleary reduced the deficit to a single point at half-time, missed chances from Clare ensured they would not equalise or even stick their noses in front.

Excellent combination play between Aaron Griffin and Darren O’Neill saw the latter kick a score to lift the Clare support among the 1,478 attendance. Crucially Derry nipped this momentum in the bud with Shane McGuigan and Benny Heron kicking 1-01 between them.

By the midway stage of the half, Derry wrapped up proceedings with a tally of 1-03 without reply. Substitute Gareth McKinless finished off a scrappy goal but like their first green flag, it arose from a lost Clare kickout and it was in this sector that the victors really reigned supreme.

For the winners, Emmett Bradley, Brendan Rogers, Paul Cassidy and Niall Loughlin were prominent, their focus now firmly set on securing promotion. Clare may have had promotion in their sights before a ball was kicked in round four but their scoring difference from their first defeat of the League may yet come back to bite them, Aaron Griffin, Cillian Brennan and Manus Doherty stood out for the Banner.

Scorers Derry: Shane McGuigan 0-4 (0-4f), Benny Heron 1-0, Gareth McKinless 1-0, Emmett Bradley 0-2, Paul Cassidy 0-1, Oisin McWilliams 0-1, Padraig McGrogan 0-1, L Morris 0-1, Niall Loughlin 0-1 (0-1f), Ethan Doherty 0-1, Ciaran McFaul 0-1.

Scorers Clare: Keelan Sexton 0-5 (0-3f), Aaron Griffin 0-1, Eoin Cleary 0-1 (0-1f), Darren O’Neill 0-1, Cathal O’Connor 0-1, Emmett McMahon 0-1.

Derry

1. Odhran Lynch (Magherafelt)

4. Conor McCluskey (Magherafelt), 2. Christopher McKaigue (Slaughtneil), 3. Brendan Rogers (Slaughtneil)

7. Conor Doherty (Newbridge), 6. Padraig McGrogan (Newbridge), 5. Ethan Doherty (Glen)

8. Conor Glass (Glen), 9. Emmett Bradley (Glen)

10. Paul Cassidy (Bellaghy), 11. Niall Loughlin (Greenlough), 12. Oisin McWilliams (Swatragh)

13. Benny Heron (Ballinascreen), 14. Shane McGuigan (Slaughtneil), 15. Lachlan Murray (Desertmartin)

Subs

26. Gareth McKinless (Ballinderry) for Murray (33)

25. Ciaran McFaul (Glen) for McWilliams (45)

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24. Niall Toner (Lavey) for Heron (54)

19. Matthew Downey (Lavey) for Loughlin (59)

20. Ben McCarron (Steelstown) for Doherty (67)

Clare

1. Stephen Ryan (Kilrush Shamrocks)

4. Cillian Rouine (Ennistymon), 3. Cillian Brennan (Clondegad), 2. Manus Doherty (Éire Óg)

7. Alan Sweeney (St Breckans), 5. Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora), 6. Eoghan Collins (Ballyhaunis)

9. Darren O’Neill (Éire Óg), 8. Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen)

13. Aaron Griffin (Lissycasey), 11. Eoin Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown), 12. Pearse Lillis (Cooraclare)

10. Jamie Malone (Corofin), 14. Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane), 17. Podge Collins (Cratloe)

Subs

20. Conor Jordan (Austin Stacks) for E Collins (46)

15. David Tubridy (Doonbeg) for P Collins (48)

24. Emmet McMahon (Kildysart) for Malone (55)

19. Ciaran Downes (Kilmihil) for Griffin (64)

21. Dan Keating (Kilmihil) for O’Neill (71)

Referee: Conor Lane (Cork)

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1. When it rained, it poured. On August 31, 2019 a customer in Douglas Village Shopping Centre noted smoke at the front of her car as she parked it. In the ensuing fire that partially destroyed a complex which duly remained closed for 14 months, the Cork City merchandise shop was burned out of action.

For LOI clubs, cashflow is everything, especially in long off-seasons.

Cork have a large fanbase who would be good for buying shirts at Christmas and in the winter of 2019 heading into 2020, the shop was missed. It brought problems to the boil, and the seeds were sown for the Abbotstown emergency and the Grovemoor bailout.

This was difficult to swallow for believers in the fan-owned model, and the delayed debate around the nominal €1 deal stirred strong feelings.

Cork City’s Turner’s Cross.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

Daniel McDonnell of the Irish Independent takes a look at the recent demise of Cork City.

2. Peter Queally’s now famous ‘Zombie’ walkout harks back to Daly’s legendary entrance at UFC Dublin. The safety standards that Daly began fighting for in 2013 are commonplace. After all of her years grinding for the women’s sport to be taken as seriously as the men’s, we have Kavanagh vs McCourt as the most anticipated fight on Bellator’s Dublin card this weekend.

Daly does not want her career achievements to be exaggerated; she simply wants to be acknowledged.

“I want to be remembered as Ireland’s first world champion,” said Daly.

“I’m a pioneer and a trailblazer, and I was one of the first to do it. Other than the sporting achievements, I’d like to be recognised for everything I gave back to the sport. I was enthusiastic about making the sport better for everyone who came after me, not just women.

“I feel like I accomplished that and I’m very proud of it.”

The RTÉ Sport website features a fascinating interview with retired Irish MMA legend Aisling Daly by Peter Carroll.

3. On Guernsey, Black and Caldwell watched the evening news in disbelief during the Hunger Strikes of May 1981. In a matter of months, Bobby Sands’s name and his image became known across the globe. It was difficult for his former team-mates to pair the Republican icon with the team-mate they knew: scampish, an athlete, tough, quick tempered.

“Always remember this one game,” says McCord. “Scuffle at the bottom of the pitch. A rough match. Bobby took his boot off and was clipping a fella. The crowd was cheering this on. You are 16 and the crowd is cheering a fight on. Things like that happened every Saturday. But Sandsy . . . I often found him quiet in his own way. I didn’t see him getting into trouble at all.”

In the Irish Times, Keith Duggan writes a fascinating piece about the Star of the Sea Boys football club in Belfast which was welcome to players from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. 

4. First of all we need to ensure we qualify for the finals with a top-six finish, and one more victory will probably guarantee it.

I have a bit more at stake than usual too. Now that Australia has finally reopened its borders to international travellers I have organised for my parents, Brian and Mary, and sister, Áine, to come out next month if we reach the last four of the competition.

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As great as it was to win the grand final last season, it was tough going through all the celebrations with team-mates who were surrounded by their families. I know it was hard on my parents too; they’ve always been my No 1 supporters, getting up in the middle of the night to watch my AFLW matches.

We usually don’t get our phones back from the club for about an hour after our games, once we are fed and recovered properly. And the first thing I always do is ring home – I’m the eldest of four – for some post-match analysis.

They mightn’t understand the rules completely yet but it’s always nice to hear what they thought of the game.

Orla O’Dwyer gives an interesting insight into her AFLW season so far with the Brisbane Lions in the Irish Independent.

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Donegal 2-10
Tyrone 0-12

MAYBE DONEGAL ARE nowhere near as bad as they showed against Kerry, and maybe Tyrone are finding life hard to adjust to as champions.

Either way, you could have thought the opposite of both those things as the game took shape in the middle of the first half as Tyrone took control with five consecutive points to move four clear.

This was after a protracted break in play as Tyrone player Padraig McNulty was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after a heavy and awkward collision with Odhran McFadden-Ferry.

Without Michael Murphy, Donegal can often look like a phantom outfit, but just as he did last year against Armagh on a boiling night in the Athletic Grounds, Patrick McBrearty simply refused to go quietly into the night.

Finding himself in possession out on the right wing and with two defenders closing down his shooting opportunity, he played an ambitious give and go. He got on the end of it and squared to Conor O’Donnell to punch home.

That sparked his team mates, and the crowd in the stand, where the odd feisty and cross word was exchanged.

By the break, Donegal were level, 1-4 to 0-7. They had figured out what to do with Darragh Canavan too and without Cathal McShane until the hour mark, Tyrone were lacking something big.

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Their management have time to sort it out, but their league form is puzzling. A break in the National League is coming up but after that they have Dublin in Omagh to take care of. Hmmm.

Momentum came in micro-moments after that. Conor O’Donnell took over for Donegal and hit three points from play into the breeze, Tyrone drawing level on four occasions but late substitute Oisin Gallen danced into the scoring zone to put Donegal ahead with four minutes left.

Cue eight more minutes of pure torture as Tyrone sought an equaliser. More often than not they presented to Darren McCurry who despite a strong performance, hit two wides and dropped one short as time ticked away.

The most clever thing Donegal did in the second half was move Ryan McHugh to full-forward, thereby taking Conor Meyler completely out of the game and diminishing the huge influence he was having in the first half. Tyrone will be careful with that move when the weather gets brighter.

The final moment came with a Donegal break. Peader Mogan burned down the endline before squaring to the inrushing Jeaic McKelvey who produced a full length dive to punch to the net.

Scorers for Donegal: Conor O’Donnell (1-3), Jeaic McKelvey (1-0), Patrick McBrearty (0-2, 1f), Ryan McHugh, Jason McGee, Shane O’Donnell, Oisn Gallen, Shaun Patton (0-1f) (0-1 each).

Scorers for Tyrone: Darren McCurry (0-4, 2f), Michael McKernan (0-2), Jonathan Munroe, Conn Kilpatrick, Darragh Canavan, Richard Donnelly, Cathal McShane (0-1 each)

Donegal

Shaun Patton

Caolan Ward, Brendan McCole, Stephen McMenamin

Ryan McHugh, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Odhran McFadden-Ferry

Hugh McFadden, Jason McGee

Shane O’Donnell, Peadar Mogan, Ciaran Thompson

Patrick McBrearty, Conor O’Donnell, Niall O’Donnell

Subs

Jeaic McKelvey for N O’Donnell (35m)

Oisin Gallen for McFadden (59m)

E O’Donnelly for S O’Donnell (67m)

Daire Ó Baoill for O McFadden-Ferry (67m)

Tyrone

Niall Morgan

Michael McKernan, Padraig Hampsey, Frank Burns

Niall Sludden, Jonathan Munroe, Kieran McGeary

Conn Kilpatrick, Brian Kennedy

Nathan Donnelly, Darragh Canavan, Conor Meyler

Darren McCurry, Padraig McNulty, Paul Donaghy

Subs

Richard Donnelly for McNulty (22m)

Cathal McShane for Donaghy (56m)

Conor McKenna for McGeary (67m)

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare) 

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Results

Division 2 football league

• Roscommon 1-18 Down 0-10

Division 3 football league

• Limerick 1-13 Wicklow 1-9

• Laois 1-8 Antrim 1-8

Division 4 football league

• Tipperary 1-13 Sligo 1-9

Hogan Cup semi-finals

• Naas CBS 3-14 St Jarlath’s Tuam 1-4

• St Brendan’s Killarney 1-10 St Mary’s Magherafelt 1-8

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ROSCOMMON MAINTAINED THEIR push for promotion to the top tier as they picked up a third victory of their Division 2 league campaign today.

Enda Smith’s goalscoring run continued as he raised the game’s only green flag in a dominant display in Newry as they saw off hosts Down.

It finished 1-18 to 0-10 in favour of Roscommon at Páirc Esler as James McCartan’s team saw their relegation concerns intensify.

Roscommon drew with Clare last Sunday in Dr Hyde Park but impressively returned to winning ways with Conor Cox (0-5), Donie Smith (0-4) and Cian McKeon (0-2) all to the fore in the scoring stakes.

In Division 3, Limerick also have promotion ambitions as they defeated Wicklow 1-13 to 1-9 away from home, bouncing back from last Sunday’s loss to Louth. Josh Ryan hit 1-4 and Hugh Bourke scored 0-4 for Limerick, while Eoin Darcy registered Wicklow’s only goal of the game in Aughrim.

Limerick are now top of the division, while their promotion rivals Laois and Antrim couldn’t be separated as it finished 1-8 apiece in O’Moore Park. Laois looked to have won it with a late point from Matthew Byron, but Antrim levelled the game courtesy of Ryan Murray in injury-time. Evan O’Carroll (Laois) and Odhran Eastwood (Antrim) struck a goal for either side.

Tipperary won their first game of the league, a vital victory in Division 4 as they saw off Sligo in Semple Stadium by four points.

Sean O’Connor scored Tipperary’s goal in the 1-13 to 1-9 success, Luke Towey netting for Sligo.

Today’s Hogan Cup semi-finals resulted in wins for St Brendan’s Killarney and Naas CBS.

St Brendan’s defeated Derry’s St Mary’s Magherafelt by two points at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence with Cian McMahon (1-2) and William Shine (0-3) making important scoring contributions. Naas ran out convincing victors against St Jarlath’s Tuam. Niall Dolan scored 2-1 for the Kildare outfit, while Sean Broderick also found the net for the winners.

The Hogan Cup final will now see 2016 and 2017 champions St Brendan’s face 2019 finalists Naas CBS on St Patrick’s Day.

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Galway 3-22
Cork 2-17

GALWAY’S PROMOTION PROSPECTS received another major boost as Shane Walsh put on a scoring masterclass in their successful trip to Cork this evening.

Padraic Joyce’s side, who had last week’s game postponed against Offaly, claimed their third win on the bounce in Division 2 of the football league, with Walsh shooting 2-8 and attacking colleague Damien Comer also finding the net.

For Cork a struggling league campaign continues as they sustained their third loss in the second tier and are set for a relegation scrap.

Steven Sherlock excelled in attack for Keith Ricken’s team as he fired 0-10, while goals arrived in either half from youngsters Blake Murphy and Daniel O’Connell.

But after a competitive opening half which saw the teams tied at 1-12 apiece at the break, the complexion of the game changed in the second half as Galway dominated.

Steven Sherlock impressed for Cork.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Murphy’s early goal gave Cork an ideal start but Galway took a firm grip thereafter with Walsh netting from the penalty spot, while inside forwards Robert Finnerty and Dessie Conneely both found their range to push their side ahead 1-8 to 1-4.

Then Cork responded impressively with five points in a row, four from Sherlock and one by Murphy, to nudge ahead. An entertaining first half concluded with the teams swapping scores, John O’Rourke’s effort leaving them tied at the break.

The teams were initially well-matched in the second half but Cork only hit 1-5 after the break, struggling to supplement Sherlock’s scoring input. The class of Walsh showed as he dictated matters for Galway, bagging their third goal after Comer had found the net for the second, and it was 3-16 to 1-15 in their favour by the 54th minute.

Galway’s lead had grown to 12 points approaching full-time but Cork managed to chip away with O’Connell’s goal and a Rory Maguire point, cutting the eventual deficit.

That could be important in their fight to avoid the drop with Meath in Navan up next, promotion chasing Galway will be at home to Clare.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 2-7 (0-4f, 1-0 pen), Robert Finnerty 0-4, Damien Comer 1-1, Matthew Tierney 0-2, Dylan McHugh 0-2, Dessie Conneely 0-2, Kieran Molloy 0-1, Paul Conroy 0-1, Owen Gallagher 0-1, Tony Gill 0-1.

Scorers for Cork: Steven Sherlock 0-10 (0-6f), Blake Murphy 1-2, Daniel O’Connell 1-0, Kevin O’Donovan 0-1, Ian Maguire 0-1, Rory Maguire 0-1, John O’Rourke 0-1, Tadhg Corkery 0-1.

Galway

Conor Flaherty (Claregalway)

Sean Kelly (Moycullen), Kieran Molloy (Corofin), Liam Silke (Corofin)

Dylan McHugh (Corofin), John Daly (Mountbellew-Moylough), Johnny Heaney (Killanin)

PauL Conroy (St James), Matthew Tierney (Oughterard)

Paul Kelly (Moycullen), Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin-Clonberne), Owen Gallagher (Moycullen)

Robert Finnerty (Salthill-Knocknacarra), Damien Comer (Annaghadown), Dessie Conneely (Moycullen)

Subs

Cathal Sweeney (Salthill-Knocknacarra) for Gallagher (40)

Tony Gill (Corofin) for Paul Kelly (55)

Finian Ó Laoi (An Spidéal) for Heaney (60)

Darragh Silke (Corofin) for Walsh (64)

N Daly for Conroy (69)

Cork

Chris Kelly (Éire Óg)

Billy Hennessy (St Finbarr’s), Kevin Flahive (Douglas), Tadhg Corkery (Cill na Martra)

Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers), Sean Meehan (Kiskeam), Mattie Taylor (Mallow)

Ian Maguire (St Finbarr’s), Rory Maguire (Castlehaven)

Daniel Dineen (Cill na Martra), Fionn Herlihy (Dohenys), Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg)

Blake Murphy (St Vincent’s), Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s), John O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers)

Subs

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Cian Kiely (Ballincollig) for Meehan (inj) (43)

Paudie Allen (Newmarket) for Corkery (58)

Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree) for Hennessy (62)

Daniel O’Connell (Kanturk) for O’Rourke (65)

Micheal Martin (Nemo Rangers) for Kelly (66)

Referee: Cormac Reilly (Meath) 

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Offaly 1-10
Meath 1-10

Kevin Egan reports from Tullamore

IT MAY BE a point that proves vital to the survival of one or both of these counties in their battle against relegation from Division Two of the Allianz Football League, or it may yet turn out that these two counties are destined to meet again in Division Three some time in the Spring of 2023.

Certainly in terms of quality, there was something lacking in today’s clash between Offaly and Meath in Tullamore, though it’s unlikely that any game this weekend across the country will surpass it for tension and drama.

A goalkeeping masterclass from Paddy Dunican looked as if it was going to be enough to secure the win for Offaly, as they fought like demons to defend the one-goal advantage they enjoyed thanks to Niall McNamee’s close range finish in the 63rd minute.

However there was nothing that Dunican could do except get his body in position to block Eoin Harkin’s punched effort in the fifth minute of stoppage time, and then watch on in horror as Joey Wallace palmed the ball into the net with the last play of the game.

As the Offaly backs screamed for a square ball decision, referee Fergal Kelly consulted his umpires and allowed the goal to stand, giving the Faithful County their first point of the season, but one that will feel like an inadequate return, given it looked like they had done enough to secure the win.

It was only after McNamee’s goal that Offaly looked like they might win, given that they failed to used the breeze well in the first half, taking just a lead by 0-6 to 0-5 into the dressing room.

All Meath’s scores came from frees but their support running and ball movement was decent, with Cillian O’Sullivan’s return to the starting team giving them a focal point at the centre of the attack, and that helped create goal chances for Tomas O’Reilly and Matthew Costello, which were blocked by Dunican and Colm Doyle.

It was only when Meath inched in front at 0-5 to 0-4, that Offaly finally seemed to show signs of life, restoring a narrow advantage through good points from Dylan Hyland and Mark Abbott.

A lifeline came Offaly’s way when an inexplicable trip from Jack O’Connor on an Offaly defender with the last play of the first half meant he was shown a black card, and Offaly took advantage to kick on and add the first two points of the second half through Niall McNamee and Dylan Hyland.

Offaly’s Niall McNamee.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

Hyland was in sensational form for the home side in the second half, taking his tally up to four points, while McNamee mixed the good with the bad, adding a host of wides and giveaway passes to his scores. However he was still the man that looked like he delivered the win when he finished the ball to the net in the 63rd minute, following excellent link up play with his Rhode colleagues Anton Sullivan and Rúairí McNamee to set up the close range chance.

With Meath’s wide count mounting, and Dunican seemingly impossible to beat as he repelled attempts from Jordan Morris and Matthew Costello, that looked like it would be enough – right up until Joey Wallace made his crucial contribution to break Offaly hearts and potentially change the course of this division’s relegation dogfight.

Scorers for Offaly: Niall McNamee 1-3 (0-1f), Dylan Hyland 0-4, Jack Bryant, Mark Abbott, Paddy Dunican (0-1 ’45) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Meath: Jordan Morris 0-4 (0-2f), Joey Wallace 1-0, Harry Hogan 0-2 (0-2f), Shane Walsh (0-1f), Donal Keogan, Eoin Harkin, Jason Scully 0-1 each.

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Offaly

1. Paddy Dunican (Shamrocks)

4. Niall Darby (Rhode), 19. Kieran Dolan (Shamrocks), 2. Declan Hogan (Tullamore)

7. Colm Doyle (Clara), 3. James Lalor (Raheen), 5. Cian Donohoe (St. Brigid’s)

8. Bill Carroll (Cappincur), 9. Jordan Hayes (Edenderry)

12. Dylan Hyland (Raheen), 6. David Dempsey (Ballycommon), 21. Mark Abbott (Edenderry)

13. Jack Bryant (Shamrocks), 14. Niall McNamee (Rhode), 15. Rúairí McNamee (Rhode)

Subs

10. Cathal Donoghue (Kilcormac-Killoughey) for Donohoe (21)

11. Anton Sullivan (Rhode) for Donoghue (52)

20. Keith O’Neill (Clonbullogue) for Bryant (58)

26. Cathal Flynn (Ferbane) for Abbott (70)

24. Cormac Egan (Tullamore) for R McNamee (72)

Meath

1. Harry Hogan (Longwood)

2. Robin Clarke (Duleek/Bellewstown), 3. Eoin Harkin (Dunsaney), 4. Jordan Muldoon (Colmcille)

7. Donal Keogan (Rathkenny), 6. Shane McEntee (St Peter’s Dunboyne), 5. Cathal Hickey (Senechalstown)

9. Ronan Jones (St Peter’s Dunboyne), 8. Pádraic Harnan (Moynalvey)

13. Jason Scully (Oldcastle), 11.Thomas O’Reilly (Wolfe Tones), 12. Mathew Costello (Senechalstown)

15. Jordan Morris (Kingscourt Stars, Cavan), 14. Shane Walsh (Na Fianna), 18. Cillian O’Sullivan (Moynalvey)

Subs

22. Jack O’Connor (Curraha) for Hickey (17)

20. Ronan Ryan (Summerhill) for Clarke (31)

23. Eamon Wallace (Ratoath) for O’Reilly (52)

24. Joey Wallace (Ratoath) for O’Sullivan (53)

26. James McEntee (Curraha) for Costello (68)

Referee: Fergal Kelly (Longford)

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CORK STROLLED TO a facile triumph against Limerick in their Littlewoods Ireland Camogie League Division 1 Group 2 game, starting explosively before it finished 5-17 to 0-6 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Ashling Thompson was a notable presence throughout and exerted her influence from the outset as Cork hit three points in just over the first two minutes via Saoirse McCarthy and the brilliant Cliona Healy’s pair (one from a free).

Five minutes had elapsed when Healy forced a turnover from a puckout, played in Amy O’Connor and the St Vincent’s speedster billowed the net.

Michelle Curtin got Limerick off the mark but within seconds, Sorcha McCartan was rattling a shot to the net after being put into splendid isolation by Izzy O’Regan. More goals from O’Connor, O’Regan and Healy, who finished with a goal and seven, made it 5-10 to 0-3 at half-time, Curtin providing all of the Shannonsiders’ scores.

Matthew Twomey was able to introduce Chloe Sigerson during the break and the Killeagh star weighed in with three lovely scores as the Rebels sauntered to the finishing line.

Cork’s Cliona Healy and Limerick’s Stephanie Wolfe.

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

Kilkenny are the most successful team in the League in the past decade but the champions survived a huge scare, needing a point right at the death from Kellyann Doyle to snatch a 1-8 to 0-10 victory over Clare at Cusack Park.

The Banner women have nothing tangible to show for their two ties but after leading Cork at half-time last weekend, and then following that up with this outstanding display, they have illustrated a level of form that suggests they are building on the progress made in recent years.

Denise Gaule had an early penalty brilliantly saved by Doireann Murphy and Caoimhe Carmody pointed at the other end to give Clare the lead. Katie Nolan and Eimear Kelly, and then Katie Power and Lorna McMahon swapped scores but a goal from Miriam Walsh in the 27th minute was to prove the critical score as it ensured the Cats never fell behind again. Gaule and Laura Norris followed up with points and though Aoife O’Loughlin replied, it was 1-4 to 0-4 at half-time.

Miriam Walsh was Kilkenny’s goalscorer today.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

It was nip and tuck for much of the second half, during which Gaule drove over from a second penalty, not long after Murphy had made another brilliant save, this time from Katie Nolan. Carmody registered a brace of points to keep the hosts in touch and when McMahon and Kelly raised further white flags, it was a one-point game.

With just over a minute of normal time remaining, McMahon equalised from a free she had won herself but the mentality of champions was shown as there was still time for Doyle to venture forward and bag the winner, meaning that Kilkenny will now play Cork on 12 March for a place in the final as group winners.

In Group 1, All-Ireland champions Galway were put to the pin of their collar for a long while by Down before opening up in the second half to record a 4-17 to 0-8 triumph in Liatroim. The Mourne side welcomed Niamh Mallon back after her heroics with Portaferry and she was to the fore as the they went in at the change of ends trailing by just 1-5 to 0-5.

The Maroons opened up after the resumption, a return of 2-5 in the final few minutes giving the final score harsh look from the Down perspective. Rebecca Hennelly finished with a hat-trick of goals for the winners, with Aoife Donohue grabbing her second major of the competition. The result means that Galway will do battle with Tipperary in a fortnight to determine the group winner and Division 1 finalist.

Galway’s Aoife Donohue

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Dublin built on a decent opener against Galway by outgunning a young Offaly team that must do without the St Rynagh’s contingent at present by 1-12 to 0-2. Adrian O’Sullivan and his backroom staff made a couple of key positional switches from last week’s outing, which along with a first start of the season for skipper Hannah Hegarty paid rich dividends in Moneygall.

Aisling Maher shot five points in the first half, which allied with a goal and a point from Aisling O’Neill established a 1-6 to 0-1 interval lead over Offaly, whose score was provided by Sarah Harding from a free.

Kerrie Finnegan came into the fray in place of Maher at the interval but it made little difference in terms of the Dubs’ marksmanship from placed balls, as O’Neill inherited the duties and split the posts twice. The Castleknock sharpshooter slotted a couple of more scores from play to bring her tally to 1-5 as the Blues inexorably pulled clear.

Jody Couch and Niamh Gannon also pointed but Offaly’s efforts were rewarded with the final say, as Harding converted another free before the final whistle.

* Meanwhile in the AIB All-Ireland Junior Club Championship, Eoghan Rua (Derry) beat Athleague (Roscommon) by 1-12 to 0-6 in the rescheduled semi-final to set up a final clash with Clanmaurice (Kerry) next weekend.

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