Cooney plays a crucial role
Gusserane see off Anne’s
GUSSERANE ST. ANNE’S
JAMIE COONEY played a huge role in Gusserane O’Rahilly’s advance to the Enniscorthy Farm Systems Junior ‘A’ football championship decider, as he contributed 2-5 to his side’s demolition of St. Anne’s in the semi-final in Oylegate on Sunday.
The impressive full-forward was in blistering form as he hit the net twice in an opening half during which his side looked hugely impressive, showcasing a direct style of play that tore their opponents to pieces.
They showed that they meant business immediately as Cooney collected the ball 20 metres out and went straight for goal, hitting the net with a tidy finish after 30 seconds.
Amazingly, this was outdone two minutes later when Gordon Simpson raced onto a well-placed pass by Paul Martin to fist to the net from close range.
It was an electric start to the game but it didn’t last as Gusserane hit back with points from Alan Myler and Cooney, before the latter raised a second green flag midway through the half to give his side an eight-point lead.
They continued to be relentless in attack with Myler, Donal Kiely and Seán O’Connor dampening St. Anne’s spirits further before the Wexford District side eventually found their second score in the 25th minute when Seamus Mythen tapped over a free.
But luck was not on their side as minutes later an attempted interception of Tommy Cosgrave’s handpass ended up in the net, leaving twelve points between the sides at the break.
St. Anne’s in typical fashion never gave up the battle and in the second period did everything they could to turn things around, outscoring their opponents by four points to two in the third quarter with Jess Codd and Gordon Simpson leading the way.
But with Cathal Somers, Keith O’Grady and Donal Kiely to the fore in defence, Gusserane were never going to be troubled too much, closing the game with points from Cooney, Myler and Kelly to set themselves up for a final meeting with HWH-Bunclody.
Gusserane: Brian Hennessy; Eoin Foran, Cathal Somers, James Redmond; Shane Doyle, Keith O’Grady, Donal Kiely (0-2); John Roche, Robert Browne; Gary O’Grady, Philip Wallace, Tommy Cosgrave (1-0); Alan Myler (0-4, 3 frees), Jamie Cooney (2-5, 0-1 free), Seán O’Connor (0-3). Subs. - Matty Flynn for G. O’ Grady, Stephen Whelan for Browne, Conor Cleary for Cosgrave, Jack Culleton for K. O’Grady (black card), Ger Wallace for Myler.
St. Anne’s: Dylan Kavanagh; Gavin O’Brien, Andrew Walsh, Jim Ryan; Gordon Simpson (1-1), Joe O’Connor, Vincent Carroll; Jess Codd (0-1), Seamus Mythen; Billy Ryan, Niall Doyle, Roy Nunn (0-1); Paul Martin, Shane Mythen (0-3 frees), David Kavanagh (1-1). Subs. - Kevin Redmond for Martin, Jim Dwyer for B. Ryan, Neil Roche for J. Ryan, Gavin Howlett for Simpson, Fergus Whelan for Doyle.
Referee: Martin Armstrong (Starlights).