Lowry goal and Heuston save prove vital as Eire Og are relegated in Tipperary football championship

Arravale Rovers 1-14 Eire Og Annacarty Donohill 1-9

Arravale Rovers ended Eire Og Annacarty Donohill’s 22-year stay in senior football on Saturday afternoon in Cappawhite. Micheal Lowry’s 55th minute goal, coupled with a late penalty save from Darren Heuston, proved the turning points in what was a very close second half.

This was the current west champions facing the 2022 west champions Arravale Rovers for a chance of senior football survival. Like all relegation matches they are simply there for winning but at the same time are nervous affairs, where one slip or one mistake can cost a team the game and their status.

While the result gives Arravale Rovers a lifeline, they must now defeat Rockwell Rovers in the relegation final to secure their senior status for 2024.

Arravale had the brighter start with early points from Mikey O’Dwyer (free) and Micheal Lowry giving them an early two-point lead inside the first four minutes. Arravale were the better team over the course of the next 30 minutes but a mixture of stout Eire Og defending and over-passing by Arravale at times would cost them a bigger lead at the interval.

Arravale did threaten goal a few times and on one occasion Brian Fox made a huge block to probably deny Caleb Hickey a certain goal. It was another seven minutes before Micheal Lowry extended Arravale’s advantage.

Eire Og found the Arravale defence hard to break down. Arravale, led by Niall Fitzgerald at centre back, along with Tommy Lowry and Cian Ryan, forced a number of turnovers and interceptions, especially in the first quarter.

Eire Og’s first score arrived at the start of the second quarter when Dinny Crosse pointed from a close range free. Arravale continued to create a number of chances but their radar was off. They continued to cause problems for the Eire Og defence, with Niall Sharpe and Caleb Hickey willing to take them on.

Darragh Kelly scored a great point from play following an Eire Og turnover either side of a Mikey O’Dwyer pair of frees but it was Arravale who continued to look comfortable, Kelly always willing to get on ball have a go at the Arravale defence.

The half finished with Eire Og closing the gap courtesy of points from Dinny Crosse (free) and Darragh Kelly and there was a feeling among Eire Og supporters that they could have even gone in a bit closer at the break, with Arravale ahead 0-7 to 0-4.

Eire Og started the second half in more attacking fashion. Dinny Crosse pointed another free in the sixth minute. However, they missed a number of chances from placed balls to put themselves into a good position and Arravale under pressure.

Eire Og looked as if they had got a huge break in the tenth minute. A Senie Ryan free swung left in around the goal, where it was eventually finished to the net by Tom Fox. Eire Og were now in the lead for the first time.

This seemed to act as a wake-up call for Arravale, who introduced Shane Leahy, who caught a few valuable possessions to change the course of the game. Leahy pointed almost straight after his introduction and Mikey O’Dwyer punished Eire Og indiscipline with two further frees.

As the final quarter unfolded the game remained in the melting pot, with both sides trading scores and Arravale holding a slender one-point lead.

The game ultimately turned in Arravale’s favour in the last five minutes of normal time. Micheal Lowry goaled after Arravale turned over Eire Og out around halfway and broke quickly, Lowry’s neat finish giving Arravale a huge advantage.

Cormac Maher cemented that lead to put five points between the sides.

Eire Og, though, weren’t about to give up. Darragh Kelly was pulled down on his way through on goal and referee Tom McGlinchy signalled a penalty. Dinny Crosse stepped up but his effort was saved by Darren Heuston, who got down well.

Heuston was again called into action as he pushed a Paul Downey effort over the bar for a point. Arravale finished with two points from substitute James Hogan and they live to fight another day.

Arravale Rovers: Darren Heuston, Tommy Lowry, Jack Lowry, Raymond Kelly, Cian Ryan, Niall Fitzgerlad, Johnny Ryan, Micheal Lowry (1-2), Matthew Moroney, Eoin Doocey, Donagh Leahy (0-1), Niall Sharpe, Caleb Hickey (0-1), Mikey O’Dwyer (0-5 frees), Cormac Maher (0-2 frees).

Subs used: Shane Leahy (0-1), Tony Byrnes, James Hogan (0-2, 1 free), Evan Hawkins, Evan Carrie.

Eire Og Annacarty/Donohill: Darragh Mooney, Ciaran Loughman, David Fox, Darragh O’Brien, Paudie Bradshaw, Brian Fox (0-1), Michael Bradshaw, Tom Fox (1-0), Donal O’Dwyer, Seanie Ryan, Darragh Kelly (0-2), Paul Downey (0-1), Eoin Bradshaw, Dinny Crosse (0-5, 3 frees), Connie Bradshaw.

Subs used: Kevin Fox, Liam Og O’Dwyer, Conor O’Brien.

Referee: Tom McGlinchey (Newport).