Cooley and Mary’s book Sheelan final showdown

COOLEY Kickhams and St Mary’s will battle it out for the first major trophy of the season, following last week’s Paddy Sheelan Cup semi-final wins over Dundalk Gaels and Clan Na Gael respectively.

Both games went the way of the home side with Cooley securing a 2-10 to 1-7 over the Gaels in Fr McEvoy Park.

The missed an early penalty, but Shane Marks softened the blow with a fifth minute goal.

Peter McDonnell’s men looked to be coasting as they opened a sizable lead and the visitors didn’t manage to open their account until the 17th minute when Derek Crilly got them off the mark.

However, an Errol Boyle goal brought the Gaels right back into it and after such a poor start they would have been happy to adjourn just three points in arrears 1-5 to 1-2.

But the hosts again started well again after the break and struck another early goal with Aoghan McGuinness made no mistake when one-on-one with Paul Burke.

That was pretty much that as far as the Gaels were concerned and try as they might they never really looked like hauling it back.

Cooley will face St Mary’s in the final after their 1-19 to 1-10 win over the Clans the same evening in Ardee.

The hosts recovered from an early Clans goal to take control of the opening half, eventually retiring with a 0-11 to 1-3 lead.

The visitors made a bright start to the second period, however, closing the gap to the minimum.

The momentum seemed to be with the Dundalk men at that stage, but Alan Kirk hit a timely hot streak for the Mary’s, rattling off four points without reply.

Ryan Rooney then made absolutely certain of the victory firing home his side’s only goal.

Elsewhere, in the Kevin Mullen Shield, the form teams in Division 3 booked their spots in the decider.

Table-toppers Glen Emmets saw off St Kevin’s in an entertaining and high-scoring encounter, emerging 3-12 to 3-7 winners.

Roche are hoping the Tullyallen men slip up in their last couple of league games and the sides will lock horns in the Mullen final after the border club bagged a whopping 20-point win over surprise semi-finalists Dowdallshill.

Conor Mackin and Barry netted the goals in what was a routine for Barry Cullen and Cormac Woods troops.