“Replay Required As Late Gaels’ Surge Denies Fechins Last Four Spot”
Anchor Tours Senior Football Championship Quarter Final
From PPFS Darver. Referee: David J. McArdle (St Brides)
Dundalk Gaels : 0-12
St Fechins : 1-9
A game of two halves as Dundalk Gaels and St Fechins played out a stalemate in front of yet another bumper crowd in PPFS Darver for Monday Night Football.
St Fechins were the better side in the opening half as corner back Ciaran McGinty opened the scoring on 6 minutes. Keeper’ Niall McDonnell made a good save to deny the prolific Tom O’Connell in Dundalk Gaels’ best goal chance of the game. Dylan McKeown levelled with a free before John O’Connell pointed on 10 minutes. Scores were traded in the intervening period as Aaron McGlew, Ciaran McGinty & Danny Burnell got on the St Fechins scoresheet while, David McComish and Tony McDonnell pointed for the Gaels.
The halves decisive moment came on the 28th minute as St Fechins finally made their possession count as Ryan Walsh drove direct at the Gaels’ low-block and squared it to county-man Paul Mathews. Mathews calmly rounded Aaron Culligan and finished to the empty net. McKeown edged over a late Gaels’ free to leave his side trailing by four at the break. A half that the Termonfeckin men largely dominated and deserved their four point lead.
Half Time. Dundalk Gaels 0-4 : 1-5 St Fechins
Aaron McGlew hit first score of the second half on the 36th minute, from a free. Tom O’Connell and McKeown (free) hit back for the Gaels to leave it at a one score game with 20 minutes remaining. Ryan Walsh landed a booming point for St Fechins before, Louth U20 star Tony McDonnell came roaring into the game for the Dundalk outfit. McDonnell hit two majestic points within 4 minutes of each other, providing inspiration like he did so often for our counties U20 team.
However, St Fechins’ masterfully negotiated their oppositions initial purple patch, largely thanks to the game intelligence on display from Paul Mathews. McGlew and Walsh struck over classy points that left John Kennedy’s men leading by four with 7 minutes remaining. A comeback did not seem to be on the cards at this point as the typical vibrancy of Kevin McKernan’s side was evidently lacking. Though, to their credit – they showed a real grit to dig in and stay in the fight when it was not quite happening for them.
Captain Dylan McKeown raised a crucial orange flag as he bravely unleashed an effort on a night where those long range shots had evaded him for large spells. A real sign of a captain and top player. He then hit a free to narrow the gap to within a point. The equaliser came from Substitute’ Tomas Kavanagh as he cleverly positioned himself on the end of a flowing move and took the smart decision to hand-pass over the bar. St Fechins dominated the ball in additional time but could not break a stubborn Gaels’ defence down. A story of the night.
They do it all again next week.
Full Time. Dundalk Gaels 0-12 : 1-9 St Fechins
Player of the Match:
Paul Mathews (St Fechins)
Another near complete performance from the Fechins man. Got a fantastic goal and drove the fight all evening long. Having a very good championship.
Notables:
Tony McDonnell (Dundalk Gaels)
Played at full forward but drifted out to the arc regularly. Had to earn his three scores with individual runs and real composure with his shooting. Strong ball winner and will cause more issues in the replay with the more possession he gets.
Ciaran McGinty (St Fechins)
McGinty is more than deserving of a mention. Wore number two but he put in a tireless in the middle for his side and hit two outstanding points. Limped off late on – will be needed for the replay.
James Lynch (Dundalk Gaels)
An crucial cog in the Gaels’ defence. Extremely tough to beat 1 on 1 and held Ronan Holcroft scoreless. Good evening’s work for Lynch who has an impressive defending style.
Dundalk Gaels Team;
Aaron Culligan; James Lynch, James O’Connell, Padraic Tinnelly; Luke Murray, Sean Murray, Alan Jumbo; Jordan Keating, James Stewart; David McComish (0-1), Dylan McKeown (0-6, 3f), Cain Bromley; Tom O’Connell (0-1), Tony McDonnell (0-3), Chris Sweeney.
Subs:
Shaun Duffy for Alan Jumbo (36 Mins), Jack Mullen for Cain Bromley (47 Mins), Tomas Kavanagh (0-1) for David McComish (53 Mins), Sean McCann for Chris Sweeney (57 Mins).
St Fechins Team:
Niall McDonnell; Rob McCarthy, Niall McCabe, Mark Holohan; Aaron McGlew (0-3, 1f), Shane Reilly, Danny Burnell (0-1); Colm Hackett, Ciaran McGinty (0-2); John O’Connell (0-1), Paul Mathews (1-0), Paddy Keane; Colm O’Neill, Ryan Walsh (0-2), Ronan Holcroft.
Subs:
Harry Haughney for Paddy Keane (52 Mins), Lee Grifferty for Ciaran McGinty (57 Mins), Evan Dolan for Colm Hackett (57 Mins).
Photo credit : Ciaran Culligan
