“Roche Emmets Storm to Victory and Retain Senior Status with Dominant Second-Half Display”

Anchor Tours Senior Football Championship – Relegation Play-Off Semi-Final

Roche Emmets 2-17 Geraldines 0-13

Venue: Protection and Prosperity Louth GAA Training Centre

Referee: Paul Burke (Naomh Mairtin)

Roche Emmets secured their Senior Championship status for 2026 in emphatic fashion on Sunday morning, producing a scintillating second-half performance to overcome Geraldines by a comprehensive ten-point margin in the Louth GAA Training Centre.

Trailing 0-8 to 0-6 at the interval, Roche Emmets blitzed their opponents after the restart, kicking an astonishing 2-11 in the second half and shutting down Geraldines’ attacking threat when it mattered most. Goals from Sean Dawe and DD Reilly inside the space of a minute proved decisive, but this was a complete team performance from back to front — including a composed and commanding display from goalkeeper Evin Quigley, whose shot-stopping and kickouts laid the platform for much of Roche’s attacking rhythm.

For Geraldines, the result means they now face a do-or-die clash against St Joseph’s in two weeks to preserve their senior status. Despite a bright first-half showing, they were overrun after the break, struggling to cope with Roche’s intensity and sharpness in front of goal.

First Half: Geraldines Shade a Tight Opening

The opening 30 minutes were tightly contested, with both sides enjoying spells of control. Roche opened brightly through DD Reilly and James McDonnell, but Geraldines responded with two frees from Shane O’Hanlon.

Points from Mark Byrne and Liam Dawe kept Roche ticking over, while Michael Rogers converted a two-point free after a handling error in the Roche defence. The Emmets had to rely on their defensive unit in this period — and it was Evin Quigley who kept them in touch with two excellent saves to deny Geraldines goal chances.

A point from Jim McEneaney on the stroke of half-time gave the Haggardstown outfit a deserved two-point advantage at the break: Geraldines 0-8, Roche Emmets 0-6.

Second Half: Roche Emmets Take Over

Roche Emmets emerged a different side after the break, launching a second-half onslaught that saw them outscore Geraldines 2-11 to 0-5.

DD Reilly and Conor Carthy opened with quick-fire points, and although McEneaney replied with a well-taken effort (before departing injured), the tide had firmly turned.

Shane Byrne’s stunning two-pointer kickstarted a run of unanswered scores, with Liam Dawe, Barry O’Hare, and Reilly (free) adding to the tally. Quigley’s kickouts during this period were flawless, repeatedly finding Roche hands and allowing the team to build patiently and effectively.

At 0-13 to 0-10 in Roche’s favour, the breakthrough came. First, Sean Dawe hammered home a composed finish after being set up by Shane Byrne. Then, straight from the kickout, Mark Byrne picked out DD Reilly, who rifled a brilliant goal into the top corner — a dagger to Geraldines’ survival hopes.

Roche added late points through Reilly and Sean Dawe, while Geraldines managed a few frees from O’Hanlon and a fisted point from Gartlan — but the outcome was beyond doubt.

Man of the Match: DD Reilly (Roche Emmets)

While several players stood out for Roche, DD Reilly was a class apart. The dynamic forward ended the day with 1-5 (3f), including a superbly taken goal that sealed the contest. His movement, decision-making, and accuracy made him a constant threat, and his leadership in the forward line helped drive Roche’s revival.

Standout Performances

• Evin Quigley was the unsung hero between the posts. He produced a series of vital saves, especially in the first half when Roche were under pressure, and his kickouts were exceptional — finding teammates with laser precision and launching several attacks that led directly to scores.
• Shane Byrne (0-4) was instrumental with key scores and a goal assist.
• Sean Dawe delivered 1-1 and was a powerful presence in the second half.
• Conor Carthy chipped in with two fine points and added real energy to the forward line.

For Geraldines, Shane O’Hanlon finished with 0-7 and never stopped working, while Ben Gartlan impressed in patches with his movement and finishing.

What’s Next

Roche Emmets can now turn their attention to next season, having secured their place in the Senior Championship with an authoritative performance.

Geraldines, however, face a final battle for survival when they take on St Joseph’s in the relegation final in two weeks — a match that will define their season.

Teams

Roche Emmets:
Evin Quigley; Dermot Carthy, Sean Connolly, Gerry Browne; Fionn Connolly, Peter Lynch, James McDonnell (0-1); Glen Stewart, Liam Dawe (0-2); Sean Dawe (1-1), Shane Byrne (0-4), Conor Carthy (0-2); DD Reilly (1-5), Mark Byrne (0-1), Barry O’Hare (0-1).
Subs: David Quigley for O’Hare (48), Callum Grant for Carthy (59), Marc Murphy for F. Connolly (61).

Geraldines:
Cian O’Donoghue; John McCrohan, Darragh O’Gradaigh, Jack McGailey; Neil Gartlan, Dan Corcoran, Gareth Neacy; Michael Rogers (0-2f), Thomas McNamara; Matt Corcoran, Jim McEneaney (0-2), Ben Gartlan (0-2); Beanón Corrigan, Shane O’Hanlon (0-7, 3f), Jack Traynor.
Subs: Danny Nordone for McEneaney (34), Cian Farrell for N. Gartlan (42), David O’Connell for Corrigan (46).