Champions stay on course, but Oran ran them so close
Seamus Duke in Ballyforan
Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final
Four Roads 2-18 Oran 1-20
Just when it looked almost certain that this thrilling semi-final would go to extra-time, Conor Morris pointed a very difficult free from 45 metres – into the wind – in the 5th minute of injury-time to give Four Roads a one-point victory after a titanic battle against Oran.
Oran will be heartbroken this week as they look back on what might have been. Six points behind at the break, they battled back magnificently in the second half to level the scores with six minutes to go – and again deep into injury-time – only for Four Roads sharpshooter Morris to send the champions into another final. It means the so-called ‘Drive for five’ is still within their sights.
It was tough on Oran. Francie Quine’s men couldn’t have done much more on the day. However, experience and ring-craft favoured Four Roads. While they were under pressure, particularly in that second half, they never panicked and instead kept their composure to edge over the winning line.
Four Roads had the aid of the wind and occasional showers in the opening half. The early exchanges produced two goals, one for each side. In the second minute, Oran half-back Darragh McCormack finished well after Paddy Fallon’s long ball into the danger area. Less than two minutes later, Cormac Mulry’s attempt at goal was blocked down at the other end, and Adam Donnelly was on hand to fire past Jerry Fallon for a quick Four Roads response.
The sides were well matched for the rest of the opening half. Paddy Fallon was unerring from the placed ball for Oran, while Conor Morris was keeping Four Roads ahead with some excellent free-taking of his own.
In the 19th minute, Four Roads were in for a second goal when Liam Óg Coyle reacted quickest to a long Noel Fallon delivery. That score gave his team some breathing space. Morris added four points before the break, three from frees, to help the defending champions into a 2-11 to 1-8 half-time lead.
The second half was a rip-roaring contest. Four Roads were keeping their noses in front, but as the game wore on Oran edged closer. Micheál Hussey, Cathal Kenny, Declan Leonard and Seamus Hussey were superb as the comeback unfolded.
In the 39th minute, the score was 2-13 to 1-10, but a run of four Oran points without reply from Paddy Fallon (two frees), Cathal Kenny and Micheál Hussey reduced the margin to two.
Rory Coyle, who had a super game for Four Roads, lifted the siege with a point, but Oran were on a roll now and further scores from Fallon (a free), Seamus Hussey and Micheál Hussey saw the sides level by the 54th minute.
Four Roads responded as only they can. Rory Coyle was on target again, and when Morris converted a ’65 in the 60th minute, they were ahead by two once more. It was nail-biting stuff now. Cathal Kenny pointed for Oran, but Liam Óg Coyle replied for Four Roads as four minutes of injury-time were indicated.
Oran made one more big push and it yielded points from Seamus Hussey and a Paddy Fallon free to level the scores. Extra-time looked a certainty.
Referee Aaron Clogher played on, and Four Roads were awarded a free out on the sideline, about 45 metres from goal. Against the wind, it looked a difficult assignment for Conor Morris, but he fired it over, and on the puckout the final whistle sounded. Four Roads were through.
It was a tremendously entertaining match, with Four Roads being pushed to the limit by Oran. Noel Fallon, Gavin Meares, Rory Coyle, Tommy Morris, Conor Morris, and Liam Óg Coyle were outstanding for the champions.
Oran will wonder how this one slipped out of their grasp. Micheál Hussey was inspirational once again for them, with Paddy Fallon, Seamus Hussey, Cathal Kenny and Eamon Kenny also prominent.
Teams & scorers
Four Roads: Noel Fallon; Johnny Meares, Gavin Meares, Jimmy Hoey; Rory Coyle (0-3), James Dillon, James Cunniffe; Tommy Morris, Jack Donnelly (0-1); Conor Morris (0-8, 5 frees, 2 65s), Conor Mulry (0-2), Trevor Fallon; Liam Óg Coyle (1-3), Cormac Mulry (0-1), Adam Donnelly (1-0). Subs: Darren Fallon for T Morris (46), Oisin Finneran for C Mulry (55), Eoghan Morris for T Fallon (59), Adam Kenny for J Dillon (64).
Oran: Jerry Fallon; Michael T McCormack, Declan Leonard, Kevin Crehan; Paul Kenny, Eamon Kenny, Darragh McCormack (1-0); David McDermott, Micheál Hussey (0-2); Shane Keane, Joe Henry, Paddy Fallon (0-11, all frees); Eoghan Grady, Cathal Kenny (0-4), Seamus Hussey (0-3). Subs: Rory Connolly for D McCormack (26), Thomas Fallon for M T McCormack (38), Gary Concannon for Keane (60).
Referee: Aaron Clogher.
Stat Attack
Red cards: 0
Yellow cards: Four Roads 1 (Rory Coyle); Oran 2 (Thomas Fallon, Cathal Kenny)
Wides: Four Roads 10 (6, first half); Oran 9 (3, first half)
Man of the Match: Rory Coyle (Four Roads)
