AIB Connacht Club IFC Semi-Final: Michael Glavey’s 0-19 Bohola/Moy Davitts 1-15
When Bohola/Moy Davitts’ ace marksman Brian Reape stepped up to a 35-metre free deep into injury-time in the Connacht intermediate football championship semi-final last Sunday, almost everyone at Elvery’s MacHale Park would have been betting on a converted free and a drawn game. But the unfortunate Reape (who had an outstanding game) pulled it well wide, and 20 seconds later referee Barry Judge of Sligo blew the final whistle and the Roscommon champions were through to a final meeting with Claregalway on Sunday week in the most dramatic of circumstances.
This was a thrilling roller-coaster of a match and definitely the best game of club football that I have seen this year, and for many years past. On the balance of play Glavey’s just about deserved to win. They were outstanding in the first half when they took the game to the Mayo men and deservedly led by three points at the break (0-10 to 0-7).
They had to withstand a Davitt’s barrage of scores in a third quarter that saw the home side actually go ahead after 40 minutes (1-11 to 0-13). But they settled down again and kicked some mighty points to secure a place in the provincial final which will be played at Dr Hyde Park against the Galway champions on Sunday week.
Glavey’s had many stars on Sunday last and they needed them all. Head and shoulders above the rest was full-forward Andrew Glennon. Not only was he superb from the placed ball but he led the attacking line brilliantly, moving in and out the field in search of possession. Conor Hussey was a colossus at centre back, particularly in the first half. He distributed well and is an inspirational leader. Caoileann Fitzmaurice was also superb throughout. He won loads of ball at midfield and scored two great points as well.
Gary Patterson never gave up the ghost all through, and young Cathal Heneghan really came into his own in the second half and was a thorn in Bohola/Moy Davitt’s’ side. Stephen Comer, Darren O’Malley, Liam Cregg and Sean Burke were also very prominent in what was a great day for the Michael Glavey’s club.
Bohola/Moy Davitts were heartbroken at the end of the game but they contributed to what was a thrilling spectacle. Mark Regan, James Mulderrig, Alan Bourke and Brian Heneghan were very prominent all through, but their star turn was former Mayo underage star Brian Reape, who scored 1-8 on the day. It was a pity for the Mayo side that he missed that final free, but his contribution to their effort was huge.
Michael Glavey’s now prepare for a Connacht final against the Galway champions Claregalway. If they show the same skill and determination that we saw in MacHale Park last Sunday then they are well fit to land the title.
It is seldom that Roscommon teams go to MacHale Park and come home with a win in the championship. What’s seldom is wonderful, and Glavey’s should take a bow, but hopefully they are not finished yet.
