1sts and 2nds both reach Towns Cup semi finals

APRIL 1988

HISTORY is made at Mill Road on Easter Monday when Dundalk 2nds beat Naas 12-0 in the quarter-final of the Provincial Towns Cup.

As a result, for the first time the club’s 1sts and 2nds are in the semi-finals of their respective cups in the same season.

Dundalk face Enniscorthy in the semi-final on 17 April.

In a lively tie, the hosts start with the wind but few chances are created until a breakthrough after 27 minutes.

Out-half Hugh Heskins follows up his own kick-ahead to foil the Naas full-back from clearing his lines.

When no. 8 John McDonough puts him down under his own posts, Dundalk are awarded a scrum.

Scrum-half John Leavy picks up to dive over for a try which Heskins converts, and it’s 6-0 at the break.

The home team continues to dominate in the scrums, winning a number of balls against the head, but find it hard to get decent service from line-outs.

Dundalk think they have a second try when centre Brian Bell makes space for left-wing Bobby Arthur.

However, he is judged to have put his foot in touch as he beats the cover to touch down.

The second try, when it does arrive, is almost an exact replica of the first. From a scrum close to the Naas line, Leavy gains possession to dive through the pack and over the line. Again, Heskins converts.

Naas try to come back, but it is Dundalk with further scoring opportunities. Heskins comes close with a couple of penalty kicks.

Others to show up well for the winners are right-wing Michael Fagan, the back row of Pat Scully, Padraig Carron and McDonough and hooker Ciaran Herr.