Three goals at the death seal cup for Darragh

Three goals at the death seal cup for Darragh

24 July 2013

DARRAGH Cross’s never-say-die footballers demonstrated genuine resolve when they lasted the pace better than Kilcoo to annex the Connolly Cup in searing heat at Ballykinlar.

Going into the last ten minutes, Pat McMahon’s side still trailed by four points and looked like they were going to lose out, but they dug deep and somehow weaved their way through the Kilcoo defence to bang home three late goals.

In a dramatic final Shane Murray, Mark McMahon and Michael Monan all beat the beleaguered Daniel Lennon in the Magpies’ goal to claim the coveted Connolly Cup in spectacular fashion at Tadhg Barry Park last Friday evening.

However it was Kilcoo’s Donal Kane and Dominic McEvoy who dominated the early exchanges. Kane converted two frees before Alphonsus McEvoy got on to the end of Donal’s next delivery and fired to the net.

Paddy Branney, Joe McKinney and Mattie Hardy led the Darragh drive to get seriously into the match. When Gavin Corrigan awarded a penalty to Shane Murray Anton McGrattan struck goal from the spot kick.

Just before the break Alphonsus McEvoy hit a second rocket to the Darragh net and Kilcoo led 2-4 to 1-5.

On the resumption as Paddy Branney, Marcus Miskelly and Mark McMahon surged forward Darragh were steadily getting into the ascendancy. Yet when Donal Kane’s superbly struck free ped straight into the Darragh net it seemed as though Kilcoo would prevail.

Making light of the oppressive heat, Darragh increased their tempo. Daniel Lennon, the Kilcoo custodian, was kept busy making interventions and eventually Shane Murray beat him with a cracking shot.

Despite valiant defending by Anthony Morgan and Dominic Grant Darragh broke through again for a Mark McMahon goal.

Gareth McGovern came on at just the right time to convert the frees and when Michael Monan picked his spot for goal number four Darragh were already celebrating an enthralling victory.

The winners had five-star performances from Sean Timoney, Jono Hardy, Paddy Branney, Marcus Miskelly, Joe McKinney, Mattie Hardy and Tom McMahon. Michael Monan showed admirable anticipation to get in behind the Kilcoo backs for the last goal which secured victory.

A maginficent Kilcoo side played their part in an intense final.

Anthony Morgan, Gary O’Hare, Donal Kane, Dominic McEvoy, J. J. McLaughlin and Alphonsus McEvoy all made a mighty effort but the game just slipped away from them in the last ten minutes.

Final score: Darragh Cross 4-10 Kilcoo 3-5.

Darragh Cross: Brice Campbell, James Murray, Sean Timoney, Jono Hardy, Paddy Branney (0-2), Marcus Miskelly, Mark McMahon 1-0, Joe McKinney (0-1), Mattie Hardy, Rory Miskelly, Eugene Murray, Anton McGrattan (1-3), Tom McMahon, Michael Monan (1-0), Shane Murray (1-1). Substitutes: Gareth McGovern (0-3), Mattie McAleenan, Stephen Rice, Sean Megoran, Gary O’Sullivan.

Kilcoo: Daniel Lennon, Daniel Morgan, John Devlin, Shane Greenan, Gary O’Hare, Anthony Morgan, Dominic Grant, Dominic McEvoy, Donal Kane (1-3), Alphonsus McEvoy (2-0), J. J. McLaughlin, Michael Kane (0-2), Eugene Brannigan, Michael McLaughlin, Pearse McEvoy. Substitutes: Miceal Devlin, Dermot McLaughlin, Ciaran McEvoy.

Player of the Tournament: Mattie Hardy.