Hodson Bay Hotel SFC round-up
Group A
St Brigid’s remain the team to beat in the championship following their impressive 2-14 to 1-7 win over Western Gaels at Tulsk. It may not have been the champions’ best-ever display, but they never looked under pressure.
In the opening half, the Kiltoom side looked dangerous in attack and were rewarded with a well-taken goal from Charlie O’Carroll in the 18th minute. Western Gaels briefly got back into the contest when Finbar Cregg converted a 28th-minute penalty.
Almost immediately, however, Brigid’s swept downfield and Conor Hand finished a fine team move to the Gaels’ net, and at half-time it was Brigid’s 2-7, Western Gaels 1-3.
The second half was fairly low-key, with Brigid’s holding their opponents at arm’s length. They now progress to the play-off stages on top of the table, with a round-three meeting against fellow unbeaten side Strokestown to come.
In the other game in the group, Strokestown made it two wins from two as they edged out Michael Glaveys in a high-scoring encounter at Enfield. Strokestown were in control for most of the way, but two late goals for Glaveys ensured a nail-biting finish.
Strokestown were slightly the better side in the opening half and, aided by a goal from Shane McGinley, led by 1-7 to 0-8 at the break.
There were three penalties awarded in the second half. The first was converted by Glaveys’ Robert Heneghan after 42 minutes to bring the sides level at 1-11 apiece. But Strokestown, for whom Thomas Corcoran was outstanding, had the edge and when McGinley rattled home another penalty in the 56th minute, it looked like game over.
Strokestown led by eight points by the second minute of injury time, but Daniel Hagney scored a well-taken goal for Glaveys to narrow the gap. When Rob Heneghan converted another penalty in the sixth minute of added time, the margin was down to just two, but Strokestown had done enough to prevail.
In round three, Brigid’s and Strokestown will meet to decide who tops the group, while Glaveys and Western Gaels will clash to see who avoids the relegation play-offs.
Group B
Pádraig Pearses were very impressive once again, this time against Boyle on Friday night in Strokestown, running out comfortable 3-15 to 2-12 winners for their second victory in the group (see match report).
In the other game, there was a thriller at Kiltoom as Roscommon Gaels came from nine points down to defeat Clann na nGael by two, 2-17 to 1-18 (see match report).
Those results mean the group is now almost done and dusted. Pádraig Pearses will finish on top, while Boyle and Roscommon Gaels will meet in round three to decide who finishes second and third. Incredibly, Clann na nGael are out of the running for the Fahey Cup and will now face a relegation battle.
Group C
Oran continued their good form with another win, this time defeating St Faithleach’s by 0-18 to 0-13 at Kilbride. Pat Regan’s men were on top for most of the second half and are now in a strong position at the head of the group table (see match report).
In the remaining game, Castlerea St Kevin’s had eight points to spare against Elphin at Rockfield. Castlerea were on top for most of the first half and led by 1-9 to 1-1 at the interval.
Dara Curran, John Curran and Adam McDermott were excellent for Castlerea, and it was John Curran who scored the Castlerea goal in the 20th minute. Elphin responded immediately with a Cillian Fox goal, but Castlerea were still eight points ahead at half-time. The second half was lacklustre from both sides as Castlerea remained in control and won with a bit to spare in the end.
Oran now face Castlerea in their final group game in Castlerea, while Elphin play St Faithleach’s knowing they must win to avoid a relegation scrap.
McNulty Furniture IFC round-up
Group A
Tulsk got back on the winning trail following their surprise opening-round defeat, recording a well-deserved 1-18 to 0-9 victory over St Barry’s in Tarmonbarry. Dylan Gaughan scored the Tulsk goal, while Thomas O’Rourke was their top scorer with 0-8.
St Dominic’s went goal-crazy against St Brigid’s, hitting six in a 6-16 to 2-14 win in Knockcroghery. Daire Keenan scored 2-9 and Ronan McDermott chipped in with two goals as the home side put down a marker with an emphatic victory.
In round three, Tulsk face St Brigid’s knowing a win will guarantee a play-off place, while St Barry’s take on St Dominic’s needing victory to escape a relegation play-off.
Group B
A candidate for ‘Game of the Weekend’ came at Enfield, where St Michael’s pipped Creggs by a point. Michael’s led by 1-7 to 0-8 at half-time, with Jeffrey Oates scoring their goal.
Enda O’Rourke, who scored 1-7 for Creggs, put his side back into contention with a well-taken goal. However, Fiachra Henry, who also scored 1-7, struck Michael’s second goal to put them in the driving seat and, despite a late Creggs surge, they held on to win their second match in the group. Final score: St Michael’s 2-14 Creggs 1-16.
Shannon Gaels put their opening-round defeat behind them when they overwhelmed Padraig Pearses by 3-22 to 0-4 at Lisnamult. Matthew Bourke, Hugh Molloy and Conan Fitzpatrick were the goalscorers.
In round three, St Michael’s will confirm top spot if they can beat Shannon Gaels in what should be a cracking contest. Pádraig Pearses and Creggs clash in the other game, with Creggs favourites to secure a play-off place.
Group C
The shock of the weekend came in Group C, where Kilmore defeated Fuerty by four points, 1-12 to 1-8, in Strokestown. Fuerty had defeated title favourites Éire Óg in round one, but they were brought back down to earth here.
Kilmore were the better side in the opening half and led by 0-8 to 0-4 at the interval. A Cormac Lavin goal brought Fuerty back into the game in the second half. There was incredible tension late on, but Kilmore came up with the goods when Jamie Connellan scored the decisive goal in injury time.
In Ballinlough, Éire Óg got back on the winning trail with a 1-21 to 1-9 win over St Croan’s. It was one-way traffic for most of the way, with Conor Cox back to his best as he scored 0-11 for last year’s finalists.
In the final round, the clash between Éire Óg and Kilmore should be particularly interesting, while Fuerty face St Croan’s with a place in the play-offs, and the avoidance of a relegation battle, at stake.
