Round Tower 0-8 v Raheny 1-15, Junior C Football Championship Final, Parnell Park, Friday 5th September
Alas, Parnell Park is the scene of further heartbreak. In truth it was a game in which Tower’s struggled to stamp their authority upon and an injection of pace in the second period for Raheny proved the catalyst for a comprehensive victory, writes Mick McGlynn.View Tommy Keogh’s pictures of the action here.
The fantastic support that travelled from Clondalkin urged Towers to settle in the opening quarter but five wides and uncharacteristic mistakes heightened anxiety. Five minutes in a 21 metre free presented Raheny with their first point and another two frees from close range pushed them 3 ahead. But as the wide count indicated Towers had created openings and our first score of the night arrived on 16 minutes. Towers pressurised Raheny into a corner and in trying to manoeuvre out of defence Mark Healy blocked a hand pass and despite his initial effort being blocked he was quickest to seize upon the break and kick over his shoulder for the opening Tower’s score. Tower’s ceded possession carrying from defence that led to another point but in the space of seven minutes we enjoyed our most fruitful period within the game. Healy chipped an onrushing defender soccer-style to leave Chris Johnson bearing down on goal from the right. With defender onrushing he tapped over from the 21. From the resulting kick-out Ger Hickey fielded in the midfield and advanced at pace against retreating defence and kicked point with outside of the right boot. Ger Minihan, Simon Owens and Alan Milton all broke Raheny attacks as Towers rallied. Fergal Power advanced from half back to attack and advancing from the half forwards Hickey found him with a 20 yard fist past and Power turned and kicked the equaliser with his left. Now we were flowing but Raheny rallied and midfielder Colm Hanley kicked a point from long-range before full-forward Colm Donegan, whose movement caused problems throughout the half, was fouled and converted his own free.
Two points down at half time and having failed to convert opportunities in opening quarter there was optimism amongst Towers contingent. But the introduction at half-time by Raheny of Conor Killeen and Dublin Minor Brian Howard injected pace to the northsiders attack that we struggled to deal with. Within the opening seven minutes of the half they’d moved 0-12 v 0-4 clear and a penalty converted by Donegan in the 40th minute, after Howard advancing on goal was dragged to ground, effectively ended our Championship dreams. Healy, arguably our best performer on the evening, kicked a point in response. Damien Murray won in midfield and found James Fleming in inside forwards. When his pointed effort was half blocked Healy was sharpest to regain possession and point on the turn. Ray Davis introduction saw him point two from frees from 35 metres but Raheny kept their side of the scoreboard ticking over. Healy’s quick sideline found Murray in space and the overlapping Owens kicked kicked from an angle with three minutes remaining.
This was the first defeat in championship and league for Willie Kennedy’s lads this season and they lost this county final to a very good Raheny side that vitally had pace to introduce to attack and had a very good mix of experience and youth.
Thanks to all supporters for travelling and remember our Junior Footballer’s remain in strong position for league honours –lying in second two points behind Wild Geese with two games in hand. Next league scheduled league fixture is v St Josephs OBC on Sunday 21st September at 10.30am. Let’s get out and rally the troops!
Round Tower: Darren Core, Simon Breslin, Neil Gill, Alan Milton, Ger Minihan, Fergal Power, Simon Owens, Damien Murray, Mick Kelly, Mick Hallows, Ger Hickey, Mark Healy, Jason Mockler, James Flemung, Chris Johnson. Used subs: Aidan Egan, Anthony Davis, Ray Davis, David Costigan, Steven Homan.
