Timmy Madden sends Caherlistrane back to senior football

finish secured the silverware.

Barry McCabe, in his third year in charge, has overseen the team’s finest form in years. They also picked up the Division 3A league title in July against an up-and-coming Oranmore-Maree side, whom they narrowly overcame by a point in the semi-final. A quarter-final clash with Glenamaddy also had them battle-tested, which was needed after group-stage victories against St. Brendan’s, An Cheathrú Rua and Kilconly by an average margin of over 13 points.

An Spidéal also displayed impressive form to reach their second consecutive final, having narrowly lost out to Caltra in Tuam last year. The 2018 Connacht Intermediate club champions retained several starters from that historic success, beating Clifden, Glenamaddy, Oileáin Árann and St. Michael’s, before avenging a group-stage defeat with a 2-15 to 0-11 semi-final victory over Menlough.

The role of two-pointers and the impact of a strong wind and rain in the aftermath of Storm Boelo were debated before this intriguing contest. Goalkeepers Maghnus Breathnach and Kieran McDonagh had regularly scored during this campaign, but the crosswind made shooting difficult, with safe possession through the hands often preferred.

Both defences also limited breakthroughs. The return of rugby player and 2022 Minor Player of the Year Tómas Farthing boosted Micheal Ó Duinn’s defence, well marshalled by Dara King and Liam Kelly. Galway’s Jonny McGrath was vital for Caherlistrane alongside his brother Richard, while corner-back Evan Cunningham also featured in the club’s U-19 B success last season.

Joint-captain Stephen Lawless, crucial to winning the aerial battle alongside midfield partner Kevin Nally, won the throw-in. Madden pointed soon after and doubled the advantage following a Johnny McGrath turnover.

An Spidéal responded strongly, leading 0-4 to 0-2 after 12 minutes. Despite opting to play the first half against the wind, they remained controlled in possession as Diarmuid Dunne, county man Liam Ó Conghaile (twice, including a free) and Andy Feeney were all accurate in front of the posts.

Oisín O’Brien ended his side’s 15-minute scoreless spell with a fisted point for Caherlistrane. An Spidéal looked to have potentially earned a penalty, only for the foul to be deemed just outside the box. Ó Conghaile converted another free before Madden registered his third point.

The half finished in great fashion, as Shane Greaney, who scored 1-25 en route to the final, landed the game’s first two-pointer from a free after 29 minutes to reverse the lead. Antaine Ó Laoi levelled the sides for the second time with an injury-time free, before Madden finished the half with five points, raising the orange flag again with a score from play. Finnian Ó Laoi pointed to ensure the minimum remained between the sides, as Caherlistrane led 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time.

Madden quickly increased his tally to 0-6 before Ó Conghaile immediately took advantage of the wind, now at his back, with an accurate shot from outside the scoring arc, levelling the game at 0-9 apiece.

Though leading scorers Madden and Ó Conghaile (free) swapped scores once again, the sides remained deadlocked heading into the final quarter.

Shane Greaney (free) and Ciaran Donnellan, both members of last year’s U-19 cohort, put Caherlistrane into a two-point lead. Former Galway goalkeeper Maghnus Breathnach, who memorably scored a late free against St. Brendan’s to help his side reach last year’s decider, pushed forward and probed for late opportunities, largely staying in the opposition’s half as the clock ticked down.

An undesired consequence from this tactic was the concession of a 57th minute free due to a breach, as An Spidéal failed to leave four outfield players in their own half. Greaney converted before Donnellan and McDonagh from a 45 stretched the lead to five.

Finnian Ó Laoi scored a two-pointer before An Spidéal searched for a late goal, but Caherlistrane held on for an emphatic victory. Having won their sole senior title back in 1890, they proudly returned to the top tier after a previous 19-year stint.

Caherlistrane: K McDonagh (0-1, 45); S Kyne, S Bohan, E Cunningham; J McGrath, R McGrath, C Molloy; S Lawless (joint-captain), K Nally; A McGreal, Shane Greaney (0-4, one 0-2 free, 0-2 frees), T Madden (0-7, one 0-2 score); A Morris (joint-captain), C Donnellan (0-2), O O’Brien (0-1). Subs: K O’Donoghue for McGreal (44mins); Steven Greaney for Donnellan (temporary, 51-56mins).

An Spidéal: M Breathnach; D King, L Ó Fátharta, S Ó Droighneáin; T Farthing, L Kelly (captain), P E Ó Curraoin; É Ó Curraoin, L Ó Conghaile (0-6, one 0-2 score, 0-3 frees); Cillian Ó Laoi, F Ó Laoi (0-3, one 0-2 score), A Feeney (0-1); A Ó Laoi (0-1, free), Cormac Ó Laoi, D Dunne (0-1). Subs: F O’Connor for Cormac Ó Laoi (47mins); C Farragher for É Ó Curraoin (56 mins).

Referee: Patrick Holohan.