Kelly the key figure
Davidstown maintain winning start
D’TOWN-C’CUDDY ST. JOSEPH’S
AN IMPRESSIVE start to the Greenstar Under-20 football Division 4B championship campaign continued for Davidstown-Courtnacuddy at the Whiterock Hill venue on Friday when they cruised to victory over home side St. Joseph’s after an earlier win versus Geraldine O’Hanrahans.
The silken skills of centre-forward James Kelly caught the eye for the second game running, with the best player on the pitch receiving ample support from Seán Cooper along with last year’s county Minor, Pádraig Loughlin, who had missed that first outing in New Ross.
This capable trio accounted for a combined 1-8 from play and ran riot in the first-half in particular as Davidstown-Courtnacuddy bombed into an unassailable interval lead of 1-9 to 0-1.
The goal in the 20th minute was a thing of beauty, as a T.J. Owens pass hopped in front of Kelly who didn’t take it in his grasp, instead deftly knocking it with his hands into Loughlin’s path.
Confidence was high within the visiting ranks at that stage since they led by 0-7 to nil, so it was no surprise to see the midfielder planting the ball in the top right corner of the net from distance rather than tapping it over the bar for an easier score.
St. Joseph’s did improve in the second-half, but nine wides after the break ensured that they never stood a chance of getting close to the Enniscorthy District outfit.
Still, it was a triumph of sorts for the Bishopswater side who had received a walkover from Shamrocks and thus were togging out for the first time in this new competition.
Long-serving club official Wayne Rogan estimated that the club’s last involvement in the now-defunct Under-21 grade was as far back as 1993, so the ability to field at this level again represented a clear sign of progress.
And, of course, it was the first Under-20 game to be played in this venue offering panoramic views over Wexford town, although the biting cold made it an arduous hour for spectators.
James Kelly kicked the first four Davidstown-Courtnacuddy points, two from frees, while Seán Cooper chipped in with three on the way to creating that 1-9 to 0-1 half-time lead.
Yet, they had reason to be thankful to netminder Joe Atkinson as he got down low to make two fine saves from Justin Butler and Tommy Sheridan as they sought goals in the sixth and eleventh minutes respectively.
He did likewise to deny Josh Guerrine in the 44th minute and, just to rub salt in the wounds, the next Davidstown-Courtnacuddy attack ended with a goal from captain Peadar Roche to stretch their lead to 2-11 to 0-2.
St. Joseph’s did manage two late consolation goals, with Eoin Kinsella setting up Tommy Sheridan for the first before a hopeful delivery from Seán Breen probably got a slight touch from Jason Warren as he rose to contest possession with netminder Atkinson.
Davidstown-Courtnacuddy: Joe Atkinson; Mark Kavanagh, Luke Harrington, Brian Ormonde; Michael McGinty, Mark Murphy, T.J. Owens; Darragh Cooper, Pádraig Loughlin (1-1); Michael Andrews, James Kelly (0-5, 2 frees), Seán Cooper (0-4); Stephen Hickey, Peadar Roche (capt., 1-0), Barry Nolan (0-2). Subs. - Rory Loughlin for Ormonde, inj. (43), Eoin Furlong for Hickey (48), Aaron Groarke for Kavanagh (50).
St. Joseph’s: Jordan Murphy; Warren O’Connor, Gary Roche, Jason Brennan; Sky Moroney (capt.), Darragh Whelan (0-1), Justin Butler; Tommy Sheridan (1-0), Tomme Smilie; Kaylem Broaders (0-1), Jason Warren (1-0), Dale O’Reilly; Ciarán Paige, Andrew Cullen, Josh Guerrine (0-1). Subs. - Seán Breen for Smilie, inj. (10), Eoin Kinsella for Cullen (47).
Referee: Fintan O’Reilly (Kilmore).