Rhode stage second half comeback to claim Division 4 title against Clodiagh Gaels

RHODE secured victory in the Division 4 League Football Final with a 3-10 to 2-11 win over Clodiagh Gaels in an entertaining decider in Geashill on Friday evening. 

Division 4 Football League Final

Rhode 3-10

Clodiagh Gaels 2-11

Despite being 2-8 to 1-2 down at half time, and playing against a strong wind in the first half, Rhode came out strong in the second half, kicking the opening four points during the second 30 minutes and holding Clodiagh Gaels scoreless from play. Ross Kelleghan in particular was very impressive and was sharp with his shooting as he ended the second half with 0-5 and all were very well taken scores. 

Clodiagh went in at half time with a deserved lead, winning kick outs, making good use of the ball, using the two pointer rule to their advantage as Clint Horan and Sean Rattigan kicked fantastic two pointers alongside Kevin Kinahin sending over a two pointer free.

Aaron Rattigan opened the scoring with a brace of scores including a goal to give Clodiagh Gaels the incentive, but a solo effort from Ryan Murphy which found the top corner reduced the gap after nine minutes played, however, Rhode would fail to score for the remainder of the half following Glenn O’Connell’s 11th minute point and it was their opponents who kicked into another gear as they finished the half with 1-5 as Ruairi Dunne’s tidy finish on the edge of half time edging Clodiagh Gaels into a nine point half time lead and looking like victory was very much on the cards. 

Rhode came out firing in the second half albeit with the ball slipping out of both sides’ grasp during big periods of the second half as players couldn’t get a hold of the slippery ball. But, when Rhode had to build attacks and get on the score sheet they did and a big moment came from a looping ball which was caught by Jack Kilmurray and he laid it off to the oncoming Eoin Smith who punched the ball into an empty net to draw Rhode closer before he unleashed a rocket of a strike after 54 minutes to cancel out Kevin Kinahan’s fabulous two pointed free to give Rhode the lead and they were able to hold out towards the end and even added another point through Ross Kelleghan to all but seal victory. 

There was late drama as Fergal Dolan was given a straight red card for a strike, with Rhodes’ Mark Rigney also receiving a black card, and with that incident a free was awarded to Clodiagh Gaels to the surprise of supporters but their attempt to level the game and force extra time was missed and Rhode held out to secure the win as they now prepare for the championship later this month. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Ross Kellaghan (Rhode): Eoin Smith deserves a mention for the two goals he scored and in particular the second goal which was an unbelievable strike. Clodiagh Gaels’ Aaron Raittgan also had a very solid first half. 

Ross Kelleghan had a huge second half with 0-5 and all coming from play at a time when Rhode needed someone to step up and get the ball rolling in the second half. 

THE SCORERS

Rhode: Eoin Smith 2-0, Ross Kelleghan 0-5, Ryan Murphy 1-1, Glenn O’Connell (1free) 0-2, Barry Coffey and Jack Murphy 0-1 each.

Clodiagh Gaels: Kevin Kinahan (0-5, 2 x 2pf), Aaron Rattigan 1-1, Ruairi Dunne 1-0, Clint Horan (1 x 2p) and Sean Rattigan (1 x 2p) 0-2 each, Liam Langton (1free) 0-1 .

THE TEAMS

Rhode: Ken Garry; Mark Rigney, Mossy Muldoon (C), Jordan Kilmurray; Eoin Smith, Ryan Kellaghan, Barry Coffey; Noah Swaine, Pauric Sullivan; Ross Kellaghan, Glenn O’Connell, Charlie Cullen; Ryan Murphy, Jack Kilmurray, Jack Murphy . Subs– Paul Stynes for Muldoon (HT), Shane Murphy for Kilmurray (44m), Jonathan Moore for Murphy (55m), Harry Jones for Swaine (57m).

Clodiagh Gaels: Kevin Kinahan; Fergal Dolan, Aaron Flanagan, Ronin Daly; Matthew Hynes, Cathal Brady, Nigel Cunningham; Eoin Dunne, Jack Kelly; Clint Horan, Mark Dillon, Sean Rattigan; Liam Langton, Aaron Rattigan, Ruairi Dunne. Subs– Diarmuid Walsh for Kelly (45m), Sean Brady for Matthew Hynes (54m).

Referee – Christoher Joslin, Daingean.

REFEREE WATCH

Christopher Joslin had a good game in the middle, the cards at the end were justified and he was helped massively by his linemen when things were getting hot particularly at the end in what was at times a difficult game to manage. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Eoin Smith’s second goal was a big turning point in the game, which left Rhode in front but more than that, it was a rocket of a strike which sailed into the top corner and was worthy of winning any game.

VENUE WATCH

Raheen hosted the game very well in Geashill and had plenty of parking available around the ground, the pitch was in good knick and there was a lovely coffee shop with refreshments. 

WHAT'S NEXT

The championship starts for both these teams in two weeks. 

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STATISTICS

Wides: Rhode – 6 ( 1 in first half); Clodiagh Gaels – 5  (4 in first half).

Yellow cards: Rhode - (0) ; Clodiagh Gaels  – (0) 

Black cards: Rhode– (1) Mark Rigney

Red cards: Rhode– (0) ; Clodiagh Gaels  – (1) Fergal Dolan.