A Victorious Eire Og Begin Their Celebrations
Eire Og Oxford are Hertfordshire PNT Senior Football Champions 2018 following victory against St Colmcille’s in Watford on Sunday.
The match was a replay of the 2017 final which St Colcmille’s had won just 12 months earlier on the very same pitch. Once the ball was thrown in, the early signs showed similarities to the recent matches between these two teams, with some high intensity scores at either end as points were traded and the teams couldn’t be separated.
A first half sucker punch was landed in the 19th minute though, as Piers McGlynn cooly slotted home a penalty, followed by a Ruari Boyle point for Eire Og to seize the initiative. But the reigning champions were not going to let their title go without a fight, and scored the following two points to reduce the deficit to 1-04 0-06 at half time.
As the second half got underway, it was clear that Eire Og were going to have to dig deep to keep their opponents at bay. Colmcille’s matched two further Eire Og points, and the St Albans side seemed to be looking desperately for a goal as the best way to gain control. But Eire Og had the answers, and some resolute defending as well as two fantastic saves from keeper Kevin Morrissey from Conor Carney and Chris Griffin respectively would prove to make the difference. At the other end, sharp finishing from Conor Carr, Piers McGylnn and Colin Ford saw Eire Og extend their lead.
Their defence stood firm for the rest of the game and secured a victory which will be remembered for a long time for all those involved with the Oxford club. Captain Noel Burke received the cup from Hertfordshire GAA chairman Diarmuid Walsh and praised St Colmcille’s for the part they have played in a rivalry which has developed between the two clubs over the last few years. These teams are sure to go head-to-head again in 2019, but for now Eire Og will enjoy the celebration and relish an upcoming provincial quarter final on the weekend of 20-21st October.
Thanks to Mick McCarey for refereeing and Paul Connolly of PNT Contractors for sponsorhip throughout the Senior Championship.
Final score: Eire Og Oxford 1-11 0-08 St Colmcille’s
Referee: Mick McCarey
Eire Og: Kevin Morrissey, Eanna Connaughton, Joe Mangan, Noel Burke, Dan Fahy, Ruari Boyle, Shane Hasson, Colin Forde, Conor Dillon, John Corrigan, Dave Hudson, Declan Wade, Conor Carr, Piers McGlynn, Adam Ferry.
(SUBS: Maurice Fallon, Odran McShane, Marcus De Cogan, Stevie Mellon, Dave Behan, Tomas McDonagh, John O’ Driscoll, Ciaran Weir, Tommy Griffin)
St Colmcille’s: Gary McGwyne, Alan Finn, Damian McKenna, Shane Gill, Mark Hayes, Paul Anderson, Brian Phelan, Nathan Hannon, Joe McGualey, Chris Griffin, Gavin Walsh, Matthew Doocey, Donal Farrelly, Bredan Jordan, Conor Carney
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