Late Shiel goal seals it for Stradbally against Graiguecullen

ACFL Division 1 Phase 2 – Relegation Round 1

By Leinster Express Reporter

A late goal from Tom Shiel helped Stradbally to victory on Friday night as they did just enough to see off Graiguecullen. Shiel has hit a fine vein of form for the men in green in recent weeks as he and Stradbally are doing everything in their power to stave off relegation to Division 2.

Graiguecullen have gone from beaten finalists in 2022 to a team now teetering on the bring of relegation. Friday’s defeat makes salvaging Division 1 status an extraordinary up-hill battle. 

Having won their meeting in the first phase, Graiguecullen would have been optimistic coming into the game. But Stradbally flipped the form-book, putting themselves in a position where one more win will practically guarantee safety. 

In what was a hugely entertaining encounter, the hosts hit the ground running, going in front early thanks to scores from Colm Begley, Padraig Fitzpatrick and Eoin Buggie. Graiguecullen kept themselves in the game, with Conor Kelly and Aaron Forbes leading the way for the visitors.

Stradbally held a two-point advantage at the interval, however, as Cillian Maher, Darragh Carolan and Shiel all pointed to give their side a 0-6 to 0-4 lead.

It was a back-and-forth second half again as the away team hung on. Try as they might, Stradbally could not shake off the tenacious opposition. With so much on the line, Graiguecullen were fighting with everything they had – but they simply could not hold out. 

Ciaran O’Neill kicked the hosts two points in front with less than five minutes remaining before Shiel clinched the game as the clock ticked towards stoppage time. Shiel has shown his attributes as a quality finisher over the last few games, but this was a magnificent solo effort, worthy of winning any match. 

With Killeshin getting the better of O’Dempsey’s in the night’s other relegation tie, both games in Round 2 are set-up to be must-see affairs. Stradbally will visit Killeshin on Saturday, June 17th with both sides knowing a win will all but guarantee safety. 

Graiguecullen, meanwhile, entertain O’Dempsey’s one day prior, where the losing team will know a relegation final awaits. 

Stradbally 1-11

Graiguecullen 0-9

SCORERS – Stradbally: Tom Shiel 1-2 (one free), Cillian Maher (one free) 0-3, Podge Fitzpatrick 0-2, Eoin Buggie, Colm Begley, Darragh Carolan and Ciaran O’Neill 0-1 each. Graiguecullen: Conor Kelly 0-3 (all frees), Jack Byrne 0-2, Aaron Forbes 0-2, Lee Walker 0-1, Danny Bolger 0-1 (one 45)

STRADBALLY: Darren Maher; James Devoy, Liam Knowles, Jack Langton; Barry Fitzpatrick, Eoin Buggie, Eamonn Delaney; Conor Goode, Colm Begley; Podge Fitzpatrick, Darragh Carolan, Ronan Creery; Ciaran O’Neill, Tom Shiel, Cillian Maher. Subs: Colm Kelly for P Fitzpatrick (43)

GRAIGUECULLEN: Danny Bolger; Luke Aylesbury, Kian Lawlor, Sean McGrath; Aaron Dorgan, Daniel O’Reilly, Mikee Horahon; Jamie Sheehen, Ben Dorgan; Lee Nolan, Jack Byrne, Lee Walker; Conor Kelly, Aaron Forbes, Conor Harte Subs: Paul Mulready for Lawlor (HT), Brian O’Rourke for Harte (38), James Doogue for Byrne (44), Bobby Doyle for Sheehan (56).

REFEREE: Des Cooney (St Joseph’s).