Louth GAA: Roche survive late Kilkerley scare to reach intermediate final
CTI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
Roche Emmets 0-15
Kilkerley Emmets 1-11
In a classic example of “a game of two halves”, it was Roche Emmets who have an intermediate final to look forward to, after hanging on for victory by the slenderest of margins against local rivals Kilkerley Emmets in Clan na Gael Park on Sunday afternoon.
Five minutes after the restart, it appeared that Roche Emmets had their place in next week’s decider assured when they led by 0-10 to 0-3, as Kilkerley Emmets looked toothless in attack, with Roche Emmets’ defenders nullifying several key Kilkerley sharpshooters, including the likes of Aidan Grant, and Gerry Browne who limited the influence of Kilkerley’s Tadgh McEneaney and Fintan Brady in particular, with Jamie McDonnell who finished with 33 possessions, involved in several Roche attacks.
On the 35th minute, Micheál Begley another player who was kept quiet, was replaced by the talismanic figure of Shane Lennon, whose intervention inspired a revival, as the former county star almost single handedly brought his team over the line for a first final appearance since 2019, with fellow subs Cormac Mallon and Darren Geoghan also having noteworthy impacts when introduced.
However, it was not meant to be for Ronan Greene’s charges, as they were left to rue hitting 1-12 from 22 shots, including 6 first half wides, along with a string of what ifs?
Having won the under 21 county championship last year, a lot has been made of the underage talent coming up through the ranks at Roche. However, it was three players from the other end of the age spectrum who blossomed for Jamie O’Hare’s side, Daniel O’Connell at midfield, along with ace shooter Barry O’Hare, while David Quigley delivered an accomplished performance at centre half back.
It was the impressive Dan O’Connell who landed his side’s second white flag following a slick exchange between DD Reily and David Quigley, either side of two Barry O’Hare frees, before O’Hare found the range from play following an excellent Adam McKay turnover, to make it 0-4 to no score in the Rathduff side’s favour after the first quarter.
It took Kilkerley 18 minutes to raise a white flag, which arrived via the boot of Kieran Murtagh who fought hard over the hour. Kilkerley would not find the range again until the 27th minute through Fintan Brady.
In between those scores, a cracking effort from Mark Byrne, Dan O’Connell, Glen Stewart, and Shane Byrne left Roche in the driving seat at half time, 0-8 to 0-2 in front.
Second Half:
By the time Dan O’Connell who finished with 16 possessions over the hour, landed his third notch of the game, which preceded a DD Reilly effort, those in attendance could have been forgiven for thinking that Roche were a safe bet for the Intermediate decider, with Kilkerley faltering.
However, cometh the hour, cometh Shane Lennon, as in no time at all, his fist met a long ball into the square from Fionn Cumiskey, and the ball was in the Roche net. 0-10 to 1-3 and hope was restored.
Moments later Shane Byrne seized upon a mix up in the Kilkerley defence following a short kickout, to set up his brother Mark Byrne who appeared to have the whole goal to aim at, after Kilkerley keeper Ultan McEneaney committed himself. However, with defenders flooding back onto the goalline, Byrne opted to wisely fist the ball over the bar.
What a wise decision that proved to be, as Roche were forced to withstand a pulsating last quarter, which saw Kilkerley outscore their opponents by 0-8 to 0-3 in the final 20 minutes, including four points from Lennon, two from Tadgh McEneaney, and 0-1 from sub Cormac Mallon, setting up a grandstand finish.
However, Roche held on, with late scores from DD Reilly enough to see the Rathduff side through to face the O’Raghallaighs in next week’s Intermediate decider. What a battle that promises to be.
Roche Emmets: Jamie O’Hare; Gerry Browne, Aidan Grant, Peter Lynch; Seán Dawe, David Quigley, Adam McKay; Glen Stewart (0-1), Daniel O’Connell (0-3); Liam Dawe, Shane Byrne (0-1), Mark Byrne (0-2); James McDonnell; Barry O’Hare (0-5) (2f), DD Reilly (0-2).
Subs: Harry O’Connell for McKay (44), Ryan Rice Martin for Browne (51), Liam Carthy for Liam Dawe (60), Fionn Connolly for M Byrne (65).
Kilkerley Emmets: Ultan McEnaney; Ronan Deery, Cillian Mulligan, James Fagan; Sean Hand, Cathal Bellew, Ewan McEnteggart; Aaron Crawford, Kieran Murtagh (0-1); Conor Quigley (0-1), Mícheál Begley, Shaun McElroy; Tadhg McEnaney (0-2) (1f), Fionn Comiskey (0-1), Fintan Brady (0-1).
Subs: Conall McEnaney for Hand (29), Shane Lennon (1-4) (2f) for Begley (35), Darren Geoghegan for Crawford (41), Cormac Mallon 0-1 for McElroy (51), Cormac Bellew for Murtagh (59).
Referee: Stephen Murphy (Naomh Mairtin)