Na Fianna 1-7 Rock Sarsfields 2-14
Rock Sarsfields prove too clinical for Na Fianna
After the disappointing defeat against Killanny last week our minor team travelled to Tyholland on Tuesday 2nd August to play Na Fianna in the GRM minor football league campaign and got back on the winning track as they proved too clinical and collected the spoils with a 1-7 to 2-14 victory.
The game was played in perfect conditions and Na Fianna opened the scoring on the 6th minute when they pointed from play. It took our lads a while to warm up as they kicked seven bad wides and dropped a couple of balls into the goal-keepers hands before we registered our first score which arrived on the 18th minute and came from the boot of Mark McGuirk. Mark McGuirk added another point a couple of minutes later when he converted a free-kick and Christopher Kilpatrick extended our lead when he slotted over a lovely point to leave the score 0-1 to 0-3 after twenty minutes. On the 23rd minute Na Fianna tapped over a free-kick and moments afterwards we had a glorious opportunity to stretch our advantage when Mark Quigley broke through the Na Fianna defence and was one-on-one with the goal-keeper but his shot was well saved.
Mark McGuirk converted another free-kick on the 26th minute to restore a two point gap but when John Greenan was alleged to have fouled his opponent, on the 28th minute, Na Fianna scored the resulting free-kick. A minute later Aaron Clerkin showed quick reactions when he made a superb save to deny Na Fianna a goal chance and with half time approaching Gerard Graham sailed over a fabulous point to leave the score at the interval Na Fianna 0-3 Rock Sarsfields 0-5.
When play resumed Na Fianna were quickly off the mark when they notched over a fine point on the 4th minute. Keelan Clerkin, now playing at midfield, kicked wide on the 7th minute but he won the ensuing kick-out and he off-loaded to Lorcan Smyth who delivered a measured pass into Fergal McGeough who blasted the ball to the back of the net to open up a four point gap 0-4 to 1-5. Unfortunately, this was quickly cancelled out as Na Fianna broke down the field at pace and managed to fire a low shot to the corner of the net to keep in touch. Thankfully, to the lad’s credit, they regrouped and responded with a sweeping move and when Mark McGuirk collected a pass from Keelan Clerkin his rasping shot rifled past the Na Fianna goal-keeper to restore a four point advantage. At this stage we were motoring and the following five minutes we began to dominate possession and notched over three unanswered points from Finnian Smith, John McGuirk and Mark McGuirk to open up a 1-4 to 2-8 lead.
Na Fianna hit back with points on the 20th and 24th minute to close the deficit back to five points but their revival was short lived as further scores from John Greenan, Mark McGuirk and John McGuirk restored a seven point advantage 1-6 to 2-10. Na Fianna pointed on the 26th minute but we had the last say as Lorcan Smyth fired over two splendid points and John Greenan completed the scoring on the 30th minute with a tap-over to leave the final score Na Fianna 1-7 Rock Sarsfields 2-14.
While team management will be very happy with the victory and collecting the two league points I imagine the recording of ten wides during the first half, most of them scoreable, will give them cause for concern. Over the course of the game the lads worked hard for each other and showed good team spirit. The forwards Mark McGuirk, John McGuirk, Finnian Smith and John Greenan scored some beautiful points, while Iain McConnon, Lorcan Smyth, Macartan Kierans, and Eoghan MacDomhnaill was outstanding in their defence. Christopher Kilpatrick, Mark Quigley and Keelan Clerkin orchestrated a lot of attacks while Fergal McGeough and Gerard Graham were very industrious around the middle of the field. Despite the comprehensive nature of their win, we will need to up our game considerably ahead of our clash against neighbours Latton on Tuesday 16th August and our championship semi-final encounter against Magheracloone on Tuesday 23rd August. Well done lads and keep up the good work.
Please click the link belows to view a selection of action photographs on our Flickr page and You Tube
http://www.flickr.com//photos/rockcorrygaa/sets/72157627346874460/show/
Team & Scorers: Aaron Clerkin, Iain McConnon, Keelan Clerkin, Eoghan MacDomhnaill, Macartan Kierans, Lorcan Smyth 0-2, Christopher Kilpatrick 0-1, Fergal McGeough 1-0, Gerard Graham 0-1, Mark Quigley, Finnian Smith 0-1, John Greenan 0-2, Adrian Leavey, Mark McGuirk 1-5, John McGuirk 0-2.
Drumhowan 1-6 Rockcorry 0-13
Seniors finish strongly to overcome Drumhowan
Following our victory over Drumhowan the previous Sunday evening in the McGuigan Builders intermediate championship we travelled to play them again (Wednesday 20th July) this time in the league campaign but it was Drumhowan who looked the more aggressive side throughout the first half and dominated possession as we played second fiddle for long periods yet still managed to go in at the break with 0-4 points apiece.
Thankfully, during the second half we were much improved as all players gave a courageous and at times produced an heroic performance which resulted in a sensational win against a very strong-willed Drumhowan side on a final score-line 1-6 to 0-13.
Full match report and action shots to follow shortly.
Team & Scorers: Stephen Lynch, Colin Reilly, Damien Matthews, Keelan Clerkin, Niall McKeown, Owen Fitzpatrick, Stephen McGuirk, Noel Carroll 0-2, Mark Daly 0-2, Martin Carroll, Garry Calvert, Mark McGuirk 0-6, Dwayne Rooney 0-2, Paul McKeown and Fergal McGeough. Subs: Lorcan Smyth for Owen Fitzpatrick, Colin Quinn 0-1 for Garry Calvert, Conor McGeough for Fergal McGeough.
Rockcorry 0-10 Drumhowan 0-5
Gritty performance by seniors sees them through to next round
A gritty performance from our senior team saw them progress to the next round of the McGuigan Builders intermediate football championship thanks to a 0-10 to 0-5 win against a determined Drumhowan side yesterday evening (Sunday 17th July).
We started the game brightly and opened the scoring on the 1st minute when Fergal McGeough scored an absolutely stunning point. Drumhowan responded almost immediately when they pointed from play on the 3rd minute but we regained the lead a minute later when Mark Daly tapped over a free-kick. We forged further ahead on the 6th minute when Garry Calvert was hauled down and Stephen McGuirk coolly converted the free-kick and Paul McKeown extended our lead on the 13th minute when he cut inside his opponent and slotted over a lovely score to leave it 0-4 to 0-1. Drumhowan kicked a couple of wides before closing the gap on the 16th minute with a neat point from play but this was quickly cancelled out when Paul McKeown finished superbly after a sweeping move down the field involving Jamie Smith, Dwayne Rooney and Fergal McGeough. We stretched our lead on the 23rd minute when Stephen McGuirk converted a free-kick following a foul on Noel Carroll and with half time approaching Fergal McGeough scored two more fabulous points on the 28th and 31st minute to give us a 0-8 to 0-2 advantage at the break.
When play resumed Drumhowan reduced the gap when they pointed on the 2nd minute and they managed to close the gap further when they scored another fine point on the 4th minute to leave it 0-8 to 0-4. We kicked wides on the 6th and 7th minutes and I imagine Jamie “the Dodger” Smith caused a few hearts to stop on the 8th minute when he fumbled a high ball on the goal line but thankfully he was able to rescue the situation and clear his lines to calm everyone down! Drumhowan closed the deficit when they pointed on the 10th minute to leave three points separating the sides, 0-8 to 0-5. But we struck back immediately and managed to increase our lead on the 14th minute when Mark Daly pointed a free-kick after Paul McKeown was hauled to the ground and shortly afterwards he showed his accuracy again when he glided over another free-kick following a foul on Noel Carroll to leave the final score 0-10 to 0-5.
Speaking to a delighted David McGregor after the game he stated “ I am pleased for the lads as they all worked extremely hard and supported each other throughout the game and that’s teamwork…their work ethic tonight was tremendous and moving forward we have to make sure they repeat this”. He continued by saying “I’m convinced they can have a good run in this competition if they continue to put the time and energy into it. It’s up to them and how bad they want to achieve it”. I certainly agree with you David, it was a dogged and determined performance from the lads and moving forward let’s hope they can build on this display in the league campaign. Well done lads and keep up the good work.
Please click the link below to view a selection of action shots:
Aughnamullen 0-9 Rockcorry 3-9
Seniors bounce back in style
They say ‘good teams bounce back from difficult situations’ and that’s exactly what our senior team did last Sunday afternoon when they bounced back from a run of bad form to record a good victory over Aughnamullen in the Monaghan Electrical intermediate football league on a score-line 0-9 to 3-9.
The game was played in perfect conditions and we could not have asked for a better start to the game with Garry Calvert slotting over a sublime point inside the first twenty seconds. We extended our lead on the 5th minute when Niall McKeown rifled home our first goal after his cousin Paul McKeown had done all the hard work. Aughnamullen registered their first score on the 6th minute when they pointed from play and a couple of minutes later they converted a free-kick and by the 12th minute they pulled another one back from a free-kick to leave the minimum between the sides 0-3 to 1-1. However, we quickly stretched our lead to four points when Garry Calvert slipped by his marker and coolly placed the ball past the Aughnamullen goal-keeper for our second goal following a lovely build-up involving Noel Carroll, Martin, Carroll, Paul McKeown and Dwayne Rooney. When Stephen McGuirk broke down an Aughnamullen attack on the 23rd minute he delivered a pin point pass to Martin Carroll who in turn found Garry Calvert in some space along the left wing and he teed-up Paul McKeown who cut inside two opponents and notched over a superb point to open up a five point advantage 0-3 to 2-2. Moments later, another well-engineered move involving Martin Carroll and Dwayne Rooney set-up Mark Daly who certainly tested the timber when he smashed a blistering shot off the upright which the Aughnamullen goal-keeper could only watch whistle by and rebound away to safety. Both teams exchanged wides before half time to leave the score at the interval Aughnamullen 0-3 Rockcorry 2-2.
Within ninety seconds of the resumption of play Mark Daly pointed neatly to extend our lead. It got even better for us a minute later when Mark Daly off-loaded to Niall “Lightning Bolt” McKeown who raced through on goal and unleashed an unstoppable shot to the bottom corner of the net to leave the score 0-3 to 3-3. However, a clearly rattled Aughnamullen side responded in style and fired over points on the 4th, 5th and 6th minutes. Mark Daly, scored one of the points of the game, when he pointed from a very tight angle on the 7th minute but this was quickly cancelled out when Aughnamullen pointed from play shortly afterwards. Both teams were somewhat wasteful during the next five minutes but we managed to increase our advantage on the 15th minute when Paul McKeown fired between the uprights to make it 0-7 to 3-5. A promising Aughnamullen attack on the 16th minute was snuffed out by Barry Patterson, who was very influential at centre-back and mopped up numerous attacks but moments later Aughnamullen replied with a point when they converted a free-kick. Any hopes of an Aughnamullen revival were quickly quashed as we began to stamp our authority on the game and during a five minute purple patch we registered three unanswered points. The first came on the 19th minute when Stephen McGuirk coolly converted a free-kick following a foul on Noel Carroll. This was quickly followed by a point from Paul McKeown and Mark Daly finished in style following a good move involving Noel Carroll and Niall McKeown to make the score 0-8 to 3-8. Jamie Smith proved his worth in goals, by producing a fine save on the 26th minute to deny Aughnamullen a goal opportunity and the resulting forty-five was drilled over the bar but we had the last say when Mark Daly slotted over another splendid point, on the 28th minute, to leave the final score Aughnamullen 0-9 Rockcorry 3-9.
Team: Jamie Smith, Owen Fitzpatrick, Damien Matthews, Colin Reilly, Keith Daly, Barry Patterson, Niall McKeown 2-0, Mark Daly 0-4, Noel Carroll, Keelan Clerkin, Garry Calvert 1-1, Martin Carroll, Stephen McGuirk 0-1, Paul McKeown 0-3, Dwayne Rooney. Subs: Conor McGeough for Keith Daly, Lorcan Smith for Dwayne Rooney, Colin Quinn for Keelan Clerkin, Anthony Tate for Conor McGeough.
Please click the link below to view a selection of action photographs.
or click the link below to access our Flickr page.
http://www.flickr.com//photos/rockcorrygaa/sets/72157627167988156/show/
Rock Sarfields 1-10 Magheracloone 0-13
Late strike earns minors a share of the spoils
After the exam break our minor team resumed their GRM minor football league campaign yesterday evening (Tuesday 5th July) against Magheracloone and were very fortunate to come away with a share of the spoils as they scored an equaliser deep into injury time to leave the final score Rock Sarsfields 1-10 Magheracloone 0-13.
The game, which ebbed and flowed from start to finish, was a cracking encounter with both sets of players giving their all. We opened the scoring after forty seconds when Mark McGuirk slotted over from a free-kick. Magheracloone hit back with three unanswered points on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th minutes but we responded moments later when Mark McGuirk added a point following good approach play by Mark Quigley and shortly afterwards Fergal McGeough glided over a lovely point, having linked up well with Keelan Clerkin and Lorcan Smith, to draw the sides level on 0-3 apiece. Magheracloone regained the lead when they broke down the field at pace and scored a neat point from play but this was quickly cancelled out when Mark Quigley bravely teed-up Mark McGuirk who showed great composure and accuracy to bisect the uprights with a superb strike. Magheracloone then hit a mini purple patch and quickly established a three point advantage when they fired over points on the 12th, 13th and 14th minutes. Unfortunately, we were guilty of hitting a couple of bad wides on the 15th and 17th minutes but we managed to draw level on the 18th minute when Adrian Reavey was in the right place at the right time to tap home a goal. We regained the lead, on the 22nd minute, when Fergal McGeough sailed over a super point and we had a glorious chance to stretch our advantage when Lorcan Smyth weaved his way through the Magheracloone defence but his attempt at goals was magnificently saved by the Magheracloone goal-keeper. Magheracloone kicked wide on the 27th minute before firing over a minute later to once again leave the sides level, 1-5 to 0-8. We finished out the half the stronger and when Fergal McGeough was brought down approximately twenty metres from goals Mark McGuirk stepped up and made no mistake converting the free-kick to leave the score at the interval 1-6 to 0-8.
When play resumed both teams exchanged wides before Magheracloone slotted over on the 4th minute and moments later our goal-keeper Adam Langan showed quick reactions and made a wonderful save to deny Magheracloone a goal scoring opportunity. Magheracloone kicked wide on the 5th and 6th minutes before we hit back, a minute later, with a sweat point from the boot of John Greenan to restore a one point lead. Magheracloone were guilty of some bad wides during the second half that could have put the game out of reach as they kicked further wides on the 8th and 9th minutes and once again we took advantage when John Greenan collected the ball and fired over another peach of a point to put us two points up, leading 1-8 to 0-9. Magheracloone kicked another wide on the 11th minute but they did manage to raise the white flag on the 13th and 15th minutes to once again draw the side level 1-8 to 0-11. At this stage of the game the momentum was with Magheracloone and they started to enjoy a lot more of the possession and they took the lead on the 18th minute when they scored a neat point from play. Both teams had scoring opportunities during the next ten minutes but neither team could register a score and with time running out we were getting anxious. However, to the lads credit they never gave up and equalised, on the 28th minute, after Lorcan Smith made a powerful solo run through the heart of the Magheracloone defence and he off-loaded to, the inspired, John Greenan who fired over another top-class point from play.
The game now in additional time was delicately poised and could have gone any way and Magheracloone took advantage and restored their slender lead when they pointed on the 31st minute. With time ticking away questions were being asked about the their mental strength and capability but they came storming back and when Mark McGuirk (who was carrying a groin injury and played through the pain barrier) collected the ball he surged forward and notched over an awesome point to draw the sides level and share the spoils. The final score-line Rock Sarsfields 1-10 Maghercloone 0-13.
Please click link below to view some photos. (apologies for the quality of some of the photos…camera settings were all over the place!!!)
Rockcorry 1-13 Sean McDermott’s 1-14
Disappointment as seniors suffer one point defeat
Our senior team played Sean McDermotts in the Monaghan Electrical intermediate league last Friday evening and were narrowly defeated on a score-line Rockcorry 1-13 Sean McDermotts 1-14.
The game got underway in pleasant weather conditions and Sean McDermotts got off to a highly encouraging start as they registered their first point from play ten seconds after the throw-in and forty seconds later they broke through our defence and burst the net with an unstoppable shot to take an early 0-0 to 1-1 lead. At this juncture, I imagine many of our supporters feared the worst after recent lacklustre performances but in fairness to the lads they rallied and got themselves back into the game with scores coming from Martin Carroll, Paul McKeown, Mark Daly and Noel Carroll to leave the scoreboard showing 0-4 to 1-2 after seventeen minutes of the game played. Sean McDermott’s then enjoyed a mini purple patch that yielded three points without reply to restore a four point advantage, 0-4 to 1-5. At this stage we began to assert our authority on the game and when Noel Carroll was fouled on the 25th minute Stephen McGuirk converted the free-kick to reduce the gap to three points 0-5 to 1-5. Mark Daly pulled another one back a minute later following good work by Paul McKeown and Fergal McGeough and moments later Fergal McGeough scored a superb point to leave only a single point separating the sides. With half time approaching Mark Daly delivered a lovely pass into Conor McGeough who cut inside, held off a number of challenges and scored a peach of a point to leave the sides level at the break 0-8 to 1-5.
When play resumed Sean McDermott’s registered the first score when they pointed after fifty seconds. A couple of minutes later Mark Daly was fouled and Stephen McGuirk quickly setup Dwayne Rooney whose low trajectory shot shaved the crossbar. Sean McDermott’s regained the lead on the 6th minute when they converted a free-kick after Garry Calvert fouled his opponent and shortly afterwards they added another point from a free-kick, this time when Colin Reilly fouled his opponent. Mark Daly added points on the 13th and 15th minutes to level proceedings but this was quickly cancelled out as Sean McDermott’s cut through our defence, like a knife through butter, to restore a one point advantage 0-11 to 1-9. Dwayne Rooney appeared to have strong claims for a penalty, on the 19th minute, after he was hauled down but to everyone’s amazement the referee instead awarded a close-range free-kick which Stephen McGuirk tapped over. Sean McDermott’s gained the upper hand a minute later when they notched over another point and they edged further ahead moments later when a long delivery was pumped into our goalmouth area and it was not properly cleared as the corner forward gathered but he was fouled in the large parallelogram and they were awarded a penalty which was superbly saved by Jamie Smith but Sean McDermott players were quickest to react to the loose ball and fired over a point to open up a two point lead, leading 0-12 to 1-11. When Fergal McGeough was brought down on the 22nd minute Mark Daly curled over the free-kick to reduce the deficit back to a single point. However, Sean McDermott’s proceeded to take control of the game again and were finding it alarmingly easy to score as they turned our defence inside out and notched over a brace of points on the 26th, 29th and 31st minute to open up a four point gap. Now four points down and the game slipping away we needed a miracle if we were going to salvage anything from the game and we were awarded a penalty on the 34th minute which Mark Daly blasted home but it was too little, too late as seconds later the whistle sounded to leave the final score Rockcorry 1-13 Sean McDermott’s 1-14.
On reflection, our performance was a vast improvement on recent displays but we our still proving our own worst enemy as we were guilty of over playing the ball and simply weren’t direct enough. We did enjoy decent possession and had our moments but unfortunately we could not convert it onto the scoreboard. While 1-13 is a reasonable return and would win many league games the concession of 1-14 was inexcusable. There were times when Sean McDermott’s brushed us aside with embarrassing ease as we struggled to get to grips with the heat of battle. Another contributing factor was our team lineout which was significantly reconfigured with key players such as team captain Keith Daly, Mark McGuirk, Niall McKeown, Owen Fitzpatrick and Liam Connolly all missing due to injuries or holidays. However, in my mind this was a fixture which we were more than capable of winning as we still possessed an abundance of talent amongst the starting fifteen and we will need to perform much better and eliminate the unforced errors before we travel to play Aughnamullen this weekend.
Please click the link below to view a selection of action photographs.
Rockcorry 0-12 Blackhill 4-12
Goals Secure Win for Blackhill
The old adage ‘goals win games’ was strikingly illustrated last Friday evening when Blackhill produced four goals in a seven minute blitzkrieg during the first half of our Platinum Tanks reserve football championship encounter to record a 0-12 to 4-12 victory. Despite a good start by the lads our defence was cruelly exposed during the 12th and 19th minutes when we conceded four goals as Blackhill established a commanding 4-6 to 0-7 lead at the end of the first half. At this stage, the game was over as a contest but when play resumed the lads showed a lot of character and spirit as they worked tirelessly during the second half to try and reduce the deficit but the task was an almighty uphill battle and proved a bridge to far and Blackhill emerged victorious on a score-line 0-12 to 4-12.
Team & Scorers: Anthony Tate, Cathal Sheridan, Owen Fitzpatrick, Ryan Sharkey, Kyle Rooney, Felix Granaghan, Keelan Clerkin, Barry Patterson, Liam Connolly, John Greenan, Dwayne Rooney (0-4 play & 0-8 free-kicks) Colin Quinn, Shane Wynne, Stephen Lynch, Seamus Carroll: Subs Finbar McDermott for Anthony Tate.
Please click the link below to view a selection of action shots:
Donaghmoyne 1-11 Rockcorry 1-8
Donaghmoyne Overwhelm Rock
We have all heard the statement a thousand times “winning isn’t everything, it’s the taking part that counts”, while others say “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” and you know what, I agree with that latter sentiment, you play sport to win. I hate the taking part attitude but right now you know I would settle for a competitive or a spirited performance from our senior team because yesterday evening (Wednesday 15th June) we proved no match (on the day) to a stronger, speedier, and a more co-ordinated Donaghmoyne team who powered their way to a comfortable 1-11 to 1-8 victory. I know what you’re thinking the score-line only reflects a three point win for Donaghmoyne but in reality the winning margin should have been a lot more because they were the better side and dominated this contest from the throw-in.
After the poor performance against Currin in the preliminary round of the intermediate championship one would have thought that this encounter was the perfect opportunity for the team to restore some pride in themselves and the green jersey and produce a grittier performance. Unfortunately, we were treated to another uninspired, uninterested display as the team lacked the determination and confidence to make any impression on the game and basically we simply failed to compete. In fairness, we did manage to stage a mini revival during the closing period which allowed us to put some respectability on the final score-line but we never looked like winning this fixture.
There is absolutely no shame in losing a game of football provided you put in your best effort and once you have done this you can leave the field, with your head held high, knowing that you give it your best. I don’t like criticising or giving out but I know the players, I have trained and played alongside most of them and I know they have plenty of talent, ability and skill and when they lose in this manner it makes it very hard to accept because I know they are capable of producing much, much better. I just hope that moving forward everyone, managers, trainers, selectors and players can focus on the positives and build on these for our next league encounter which takes place on Friday 1st July against Sean McDermotts.
Team & Scorers: Jamie Smith, Colin Reilly, Damien Matthews, Owen Fitzpatrick, Keith Daly, Niall McKeown, Stephen McGuirk 0-2, Mark Daly 0-1, Martin Carroll, Fergal McGeough 0-1, Garry Calvert 0-1, Noel Carroll, Colin Quinn, Paul McKeown and Mark McGuirk 1-1. Subs: Dwayne Rooney 0-2 for Garry Calvert, Pauric Reilly for Colin Quinn, Conor McGeough for Niall McKeown, Ryan Sharkey for Mark Daly.
Please click the link below to view a selection of action shots on our Flickr page.
http://www.flickr.com//photos/rockcorrygaa/sets/72157626850161401/show/
Rockcorry 0-9 Currin 1-10
Last Sunday 12th June our senior team were defeated by Currin in the preliminary round of the intermediate championship on a score-line Rockcorry 0-9 Currin 1-10. The game was played in wet and slippery conditions and the first half was evenly contested with Currin enjoying a slender 0-7 to 1-6 advantage at the break. However, during the second half we struggled with the weather conditions and ultimately we failed to match Currin’s hunger and we only managed to raise the white flag twice during the second period, on the 21st and 32nd minutes respectively, while Currin added four points to leave the final score 0-9 to 1-10.
Please click the links below to view a selection of action photographs on You Tube or Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com//photos/rockcorrygaa/sets/72157626949967034/show/
Rockcorry 1-17 Fergal O’Hanlon’s 1-5
Strong second half performance propels reserve team to next round
Rockcorry GAA - Reserve Team
Last Friday evening (3rd June) our reserve team saw off the challenge from Fergal O’Hanlon’s in emphatic style to progress to the next round of the Platinum Tanks reserve football championship. While the final score-line shows a twelve point victory and suggests this was a comfortable victory for our reserve team, and towards the end it probably was. However, it was not all fun and games and during the first half our display was topsy-turvy and although we had our fair share of possession our play was error ridden with some poor passing and some wayward shooting. At the end of the first half Fergal O’Hanlon’s seemed to be in a good position as they enjoyed a two point lead, leading 0-4 to 1-3. Thankfully, during the second half we completely transformed and were in prolific scoring form as we notched up an impressive 1-13 to their 0-2 to emerge victorious on a final score-line Rockcorry 1-17 Fergal O’Hanlon’s 1-5.
Fergal O’Hanlon’s had a slight wind advantage during the first half and took the lead on the 5th minute with a fine point but moments later we replied when Kyle Rooney sent over a lovely point to draw the sides level. Fergal O’Hanlon’s regained the lead on the 12th minute after a forty-five landed in our danger zone and it broke nicely for the Fergal O’Hanlon’s corner forward who blasted it past Stephen Lynch from a couple of metres. We responded immediately with a fine flowing move down the field that involved Conor McGeough and Fergal McGeough and when Ryan Sharkey collected the ball he fired between the uprights. Fergal McGeough added another point on the 15th minute to close the gap to a single point 0-3 to 1-1. However, Fergal O’Hanlon’s continued to mount the pressure and a superb save by Stephen Lynch on the 20th minute denied them a goal opportunity but arising from the resulting forty-five the ball was delivered into our goalmouth and was intelligently punched over the bar to restore a two point lead. Play quickly switched to the opposite end and when Seamus Carroll collected the ball he grabbed a point. As half time approached Fergal O’Hanlon’s pointed on the 31st minute to leave the score at the break Rockcorry 0-4 Fergal O’Hanlon’s 1-3.
On reflection of our first half performance I imagine there was quite a strong pep talk during the break because on the restart we really moved up through the gears to completely dominate proceedings. The scores came thick and fast in a pulsating second half with the energetic Keelan Clerkin starting the onslaught after just two minutes with a lovely point. Further scores from Dwayne Rooney (0-2) and Fergal McGeough (0-1) quickly transformed a two point deficit into a two point lead. We forged ahead further on the 8th minute when the skilful Seamus Carroll scored an absolutely stunning goal following a truly wonderful move (one might off thought you were watching the European Champions Barcelona, as the passing and movement was truly inspirational). It started with a magnificent catch from our midfielder Liam Connolly and he quickly off-loaded to Ryan Sharkey who skipped past his marker and delivered a sweet pass into Dwayne Rooney who in turn found Seamus Carroll on the edge of the square and he finished clinically to the top corner. Liam Connolly who kicked a couple of wides during the first half and hit the upright with an earlier attempt, eventually managed to get his name on the score sheet when he sailed over a wonderful point from the left wing on the 10th minute to open up a six point advantage 1-9 to 1-3.
Fergal O’Hanlon’s stayed in touch with a point on the 11th minute but this was quickly cancelled out when Fergal McGeough finished off a fine move with a superb long range point following excellent work by Pauric Reilly and Colin Quinn. Fergal O’Hanlon’s scored their last point on the 13th minute but the remaining fifteen minutes belonged to us as we totally dominated and additional scores from Dwayne Rooney 0-2, Colin Quinn 0-2, Keelan Clerkin, Shane Wynne and even Owen Fitzpatrick showed his scoring ability when he came forward and finished in style to leave the final score Rockcorry 1-17 Fergal O’Hanlon’s 1-5.
Team: Stephen Lynch, Cathal Sheridan, Owen Fitzpatrick 0-1, Pauric Reilly, Ryan Sharkey 0-1, Felix Granaghan, Conor McGeough, Keelan Clerkin 0-2, Liam Connolly 0-1, Kyle Rooney 0-1, Dwayne Rooney 0-4, Colin Quinn 0-2, Shane Wynne 0-1, Fergal McGeough 0-3, Seamus Carroll 1-1. Subs Used: Aaron Clerkin for Keelan Clerkin.
Please click the link below to watch a selection of action shots.
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http://www.flickr.com//photos/rockcorrygaa/sets/72157626780750083/show/
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