Graiguecullen grab initiative in Laois GAA Gaelic football championship

These two have produced many great battles down the years and last Friday evening in Laois Hire O'Moore Park, they produced the latest chapter with the honours heading for the Carlow border.

Neither had enjoyed success in the league; however, the Laois GAA club championship is their forte.

Graiguecullen were dealt an early blow when corner forward Conor Kelly had to leave the pitch in the fourth minute. However, his replacement, Aaron Forbes, was to enjoy one of his best games in the green and red jersey, kicking over a two-pointer at the town end after five minutes.

Ross Hennessey had posted the opening score in the first minute. Aaron Dorgan extended the advantage to four points.

Stradbally struggled to get out of their own half and in the tenth minute, the Little Town found themselves seven in arrears when Graigue’s centre back beat two defenders and struck for the games first goal.

Stradbally were struggling but defender Eoin Buggie opened their account with a well taken point after twelve minutes in this Laois Shopping Centre Laois SFC opener in Portlaoise.

Never lost it...Colm Begley soars highest for Stradbally. Pic: Denis Byrne

Ciaran Maher added another two-pointer in the twenty-fifth minute, Graiguecullen saw a great goal chance denied but a two-pointer followed from Lee Walker, the Stradbally keeper brought off a great save.

Lee Walker and Colm Begley swapped points and at half time Graiguecullen led 1-12 to 0-8.

While Stradbally knew they had much work to do in the second period, it was Graiguecullen that opened the scoring with points by Aaron Cullen and a second by Aaron Forbes.

Six minutes into the half the score of this championship game came at the Abbeyleix Road end.

Aaron Forbes escaped the clutches of his marker as the ball came across the square, quick as lightning Forbes punched the ball high into the Stradbally net.

Stradbally trailed by ten points after forty minutes but all of a sudden they lifted their game.

Half forward David Donohue won possession and struck for a well-taken goal. While, Graiguecullen replied with a two pointer from Lee Walker, Stradbally introduced Tom Shiel into attack who made impact.

After wides were traded, Cillian Maher and Shiel reduced the deficit with two points leaving six points the margin and eight minutes remaining.

The closing minutes were very exciting.

READ ALSO: Late drama in Laois GAA SFC game

Lee Walker pointed for Graiguecullen, at the other end Cillian Maher converted a free.

But time would run out for the Little Town who left the comeback far to late to be meaningful.

For Graiguecullen, it was another achievement for Maurice Browne.

However, his satisfaction might have be lessened on learning that his side will face the champions again, for Stradbally, last week Emo were visitors to Bill Delaney park, they know what to expect.

Final Score:

Graiguecullen 2-18

Stradbally 1-17

Graigue SFC coach Maurice Browne. Pic: Denis Byrne

Graiguecullen: Aaron Forbes (1-3), (1 x2), Trevor Collins (1-0), Ross Hennessey (0-3), Lee Walker (0-8), (2×2) (0-3 frees), Aaron Dorgan, Aaron Cullen, Aiden Bradley (0-1 each)

Stradbally: Ciaran Maher (0-10, (2x2 frees), 2x2, 0-1 45), Eoin Buggie 0-3 (1x2), David Donohue (1-0), Colm Begley 0-2 X2), Tom Shiel and Benny Lawlor (0-1) (each)

Graiguecullen: Craig Doyle; Sean McGrath, Danny McGrath, Eoin Alysbury; Mike Horahan, Trevor Collins, Brian Byrne; Jamie Sheehan, Aaron Dorgan; Jack Byrne, Lee Walker, Aaron Cullen; Conor Kelly, Mark Timmons, Ross Hennessey.

Subs: Aaron Forbes for Conor Kelly (inj. 4m). Aidan Bradley for Jack Byrne (52), Daniel O’Reilly for Aaron Cullen (55).

Stradbally: Darren Maher; Conor McDonald, Eamon Delaney, Liam Knowles; Eoin Buggie, Colm Begley, Damien Murphy; Conor Goode, Jack Deegan; David Donohue, Cathal Buggie, Conor Buggie; Benny Lawlor, Cillian Maher, Jody Dillon. Subs: Liam Woulfe for Damien Murphy (36), Fionn McEvoy for Cathal Buggie (46), Tom Shiel for Benny Lawlor (40).

Referee: Clifford Ward Portarlington