Caragh refuse to buckle and take IFC title

Caragh 1-5

Leixlip 0-6

There was unbridled joy following the long whistle as Caragh were crowned intermediate football championship champions following a two point win over favourites Leixlip at Manguard Park, Hawkfield on Sunday afternoon.

It was a game that many felt it should never have taken place such were the conditions with a gale blowing straight across the pitch making it almost impossible for players to control the ball.

You could say that all pre-laid plans and tactics went out the window for this one as it was always going to come down to who could manage the wind best; who could make the better decisions and who could manage to find the posts.

Caragh, from the village of Prosperous, lost the toss for the jersies, both teams line out in maroon, and to make matters worse for Caragh they were foced to play without the services of midfielder Dan Lynam, injured in the semi-final a mere week previously, which in fairness showed little respect for players being forced to play so soon.

And to make matters worse for Caragh they lost their influential full forward, Eoghan O'Haire, who picked up an early shoulder injury that forced him off after a mere seven minutes.

In fairness to the Michael Browne managed side, none of those set-backs seem to upset them and while their opposition, Leixlip, had the vast majoirty of possession throughout, but especially in the opening half, they, Caragh, stood firm, their defence was what i thas been throughout this campaign, tight, tough and effective.

Kevin Campbell, who started instead of Dan Lynan, opened directly from the throw-in with a fine point into the Milltown goal end.

Leixlip, responded well with a four man move involving Jack Barrett, Ronan Fitzsimons, Jake Corrigan and Paddy Meagher ended with the latter leveling it up.

Ronan Fitzsimons gave Leixlip the lead with a point but Caragh were dealt a major blow when a tough, but fair shoulder by Eamonn Murphy resulted in Eoghan O'Haire off with a shoulder injury.

Caragh responded quickly, effectively and decisively, and you can add in, somewhat fortuitously when a Darragh Swords point attempt saw the ball move left and right, causing all sorts of problems before going over the head of defenders and goalkeeper and nesting in the back of Niall McConnell's net on eight minutes to give them the lead, a lead they would never lose.

Ryan Burke was already having a ding-dong battle with Leixlip play-maker and top scorer Jack Barrett as the wind if anything was picking up, if that was possible.

Kevin Campbell hit a poorish effort towards the Leixlip goal but Kevin Connor forced Niall McConnell to make a brilliant save , out for a 45 which nothing came of.

A foul on Jack Barrett saw the resultant free fail to find the posts and it was not until the 16 minute that the boys from the north of county raised their third white flag of the afternoon, it was a goal chance but Jack Barrett's effort went over.

Kevin Connor required attention for a knock and one wondered if Caragh were to be hit with another blow but the big man came back on and played throughout.

Leixlip had the vast majority of possession but a combination of some very poor shot selection and a stern Caragh defence saw them end the half with just three points to their name.

Caragh added one point before the break, that coming from a move that began with Cathal McKennedy clearing his lines and starting a move that ended with Kevin Campbell firing over the leave his side in front at half-time 1-2 to 0-3.

On the resumption Jake Corrigan increased his side's lead after Leixlip were penalised for a handling offence.

Jack Quinn saw an attempted point effort go out to the right, a foul ensued but the usual so reliable Jack Barrett failed to convert from close range.

It is no doubt Leixlip will rue for many a long day and that is their lack of a left footed free taker. They were crying out for one, on three if not four occasions and in reality paid dearly as a result.

Scores were as scarce as hen's teeth, poor shot selection continued from both sides, shooting from distance instead of working the ball in so poor were the conditions really was what was required.

It took Leixlip until the 47 minute to add to their tally, that after a gap of some 33 minutes or so and it was wing back Jack Quinn who gave his side hope splitting the posts to leave it 1-3 to 0-4 on 47.

Wides, from both, from play and places balls continued before Tommy Moolick after seeing his goal attempt blocked, regained possession to punch over and when Ronan Fitzsimons got another on 53 minutes the sides were level, 1-3 to 0-6.

Jack Quinn had a chance to get the lead but his punched effort was short.

Darragh Swords converted a close-in free to regain the lead. Leixlip came looking for a leveler but despite more than enough chances failed to convert and then in time added on Josh Gannon hit an incredible 50m free to leave two in it, Leixlip threw everything at their opponents but Caragh held out for an historic victory.

An incredible win for Caragh and the small village of Proserous, and one they will celebrate for many a day.

MAIN MAN

Ryan Burke

It certainly was not a day for forwards at Manguard Park on Sunday with the near gale-force wind causing all sorts of problems throughout. So it was probably always going to be a defender this time around and in the end it was decided that Ryan Burke would get the accolade. Defended well all through, linked-up with and got forward at every opportunity.

TURNING POINT

It may seem but it was the fortuitous goal after seven minutes from a speculative effort from Darragh Swords that twisted and turned in the air deceiving defenders and goalkeeper before ending up in the back of the net. It certainly proved to be the difference between the sides in the end on a day that was so difficult for players.

TALKING POINT

The main topic of conversation, both before and after the game, was it should it have gone ahead in the storm like conditions.

WHAT NOW?

Caragh head to Leinster, Leixlip can only ponder what might have, or could have been.

SCORERS

Caragh: Darragh Swords 1-1, Kevin Campbell 0-2, Josh Gannon 0-2 (free).

Leixlip: Ronan Fitzsimons 0-2, Jack Barrett 0-1, Paddy Meagher 0-1, Tommy Moolick 0-1, Jack Quinn 0-1.

TEAMS

Caragh: Michael Behan; Cathal McKennedy, Matthew McNally, Billy Byrne; Conor Sullivan, Ryan Burke, Paul Dockery; Kevin Connor, Kevin Campbell; Josh Gannon, Darragh Swords, Dan Murray; Ronan Doorey, Eoghan O'Haire, Jack Corrigan. Subs: Austin Nevin for Eoghan O'Haire (7 minutes); Fergal McKennedy for Kevin Campbell (54 minutes); Cian Burke for Conor Sullivan (54 minutes); Joe Barrett for Cathal McKennedy (59 minutes).

LEIXLIP: Michael Behan; Cathal McKennedy, Matthew McNally, Billy Byrne; Conor Sullivan, Ryan Burke, Paul Dockery; Kevin Connor, Kevin Campbell; Josh Gannon, Darragh Swords, Dan Murray; Ronan Doorey, Eoghan O'Haire, Jack Corrigan. Subs: Austin Nevin for Eoghan O'Haire (7 minutes); Fergal McKennedy for Kevin Campbell (54 minutes); Cian Burke for Conor Sullivan (54 minutes); Joe Barrett for Cathal McKennedy (59 minutes).

Referee Kieran Harris.