Oliver Plunketts Hold Their Nerve to Reach Junior Decider
DKIT Sport Louth Junior Football Championship Semi-Final
From Stabannon Parnells
Referee: Stephen Johnson (Glen Emmets)
Oliver Plunketts : 1-15
O’Connells : 1-14
League form ultimately proved a reliable indicator for how this DKIT Sport JFC Semi Final encounter would pan out though it still took a mighty effort from gutsy Oliver Plunketts to secure a dramatic quarter-final win over O’Connells.
Emmett Kelleher’s side, who pushed hard to avoid relegation among senior and intermediate sides, found themselves on the cusp of exiting the championship as O’Connells drew level late on and had a great chance to win it.
But a thrilling game, was ultimately decided by a winning point from inside forward Stephen Keeley on the 58th minute.
Not since 2014 have the Mell side reached the Junior decider, but they have steadily rebuilt themselves and will fancy their chances of continue their growth by winning the Christy Bellew Cup and becoming a fully pledged Intermediate side.
Kristian Nolan finished with 1-2 for Oliver Plunketts while Adam Lambe was also terrific and midfielders Shaun Smith and Robert Brodigan came roaring into the contest in the crucial stages of the game.
All is not lost for Stuart Reynolds’ O’Connells who will reflect on a good season when the initial hurt of this defeat disappears. They overcame the heavily fancied John Mitchels in a brilliant performance and will be eager to build on this season with some good youthful talent in the team.
Failing to secure promotion playoff spot in Division 3 was presumably a disappointment for Reynolds’ side but, during this championship at least, it didn’t appear to bother them as they surged into it with some top performances.
Oliver Plunketts set up in a formation with Barry Reynolds, Jamie Byrne & Adam Lambe regularly carrying the ball from deep in a powerful running game. They have sharp forward up top with Kristian Nolan and Cian Brady.
At both ends, goalkeepers Luke Haggans and Jonathan Brennan done well on both their kickouts and any high-testing deliveries into their squares. Although, it felt as if the Plunketts’ midfield had the slight upper hand in the aerial dominance sector.
At times, the O’Connells will bemoan their lack of a clinical edge in front of the posts as they missed several guilt edge chances especially in moments that they could have either stretched their lead out or close the gap.
Oliver Plunketts deservedly led 1-8 to 1-5 at the break with a goal apiece for either side coming from Emmett Byrne and Kristian Nolan. The Plunketts’ late first half surge of four unanswered points sent them in with a lead after a half that was tit-for-tat.
The second half followed a similar vein with both sides trading points, through O’Connells did manage to nudge themselves in front with an Evan Kearney two-point free with 47 minutes on the clock. It was another Kearney 2 that levelled the sides with 3 minutes remaining, but Plunketts’ responded immediately with what proved to be the winner through Stephen Keeley. O’Connells searched for an equaliser but could not breach a rigid Plunketts’ defence.
Full Time. Oliver Plunketts 1-15 : 1-14 O’Connells
Player of the Match:
Adam Lambe (Oliver Plunketts)
Lambe was the outstanding presence in a vibrant Plunketts side. The wingback drove forward on numerous occasions, breaking lines beyond the O’Connells defensive line. He got 0-2 and had a really strong game.
Notables:
Shaun Smith (Oliver Plunketts)
The midfielder has been a consistent presence for the Mell side throughout the championship. He commanded the middle-third and was vital in his side gaining territory in with kickouts.
Stuart Osbourne (O’Connells)
The O’Connells captain played his usual centre-half role with extreme intelligence. He controlled their play and represented the good football the Castlebellingham men played throughout the game.
Oliver Plunketts Team: Luke Haggins, Gary Keogh, David McTeggert, Barry Reynolds, Adam Lambe, Jamie Byrne, Robert brodigan, Shaun Smith, Adam Smith, Kristian Nolan, Cian Brady, Dean carolan, Stephen Keeley, Ben Boyce, Cillian Smith
Subs: Conor Haggans for Gary Keogh (48), Cian Matthews for Ben Boyce (54)
O’Connells Team: Jonathan Brennan, Adam Flynn, Jack McGeough, James Walsh, Emmet Byrne, Stuart Osborne, San Shearman, Cailum Woods, Justin Cooney, Sean Cairns, Jackie Agnew, Robert Quigley, Evan Kearney, Niall Conlon, Bernard Osborne
Subs: Tadhg Kearney for James Walsh (25), Andrew Sharkey for Adam Flynn (HT), Harry Kierans for Cailum Woods (55), Conor Culligan for Bernard Osborne (55)
