Granard Gaels see off Wolfe Tones

Gavin Kenehan (2) and Luciana O’Sullivan with points move them into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead by the 21st minute.

Granard Gaels created their fair share of chances in this half but on numerous occasions a number of long range efforts dropped short into the hands of a very dependable Wolfe Tones keeper Sean Hopkins.

However, the Liscarroll-Churchtown outfit finally breached the Wolfe Tones defence for a goal that had being threatening for a while when Danny Kelleher, Padraigh O’Shea and Egan Murphy combined well when Padraigh O’Shea finished the return pass to the net that got them back on level terms.

Just before the break the Avondhu side moved in front when Aidan Murphy pointed a free that helped them hold a slender 1-2 to 0-4 interval advantage.

On the changeover Wolfe Tones who had some good displays by Noel O’Connor, Tommy Walsh, James Moynihan, Aaron McAuliffe, Alan Walsh, Cian O’Sullivan, Brian O’Sullivan and Gavin Kenehan levelled matters when Kenehan pointed a free.

The same player moved them in front with a point in the 37th minute. Back came a resolute Granard Gaels outfit with Jimmy Duggan setting up Padraigh O’Shea for a fine point two minutes later.

In a close half they were tied again at 0-7 to 1-4. Wolfe Tones missed a goal scoring as the game entered the last quarter when Luciana O’Sullivan’s attempt at goal went narrowly wide.

At the other end Granard Gaels were enjoying their best spell of the game with Colin O’Brien, Ethan Knipe, Padraigh O’Shea, Danny Kelleher, Aidan Murphy, Egan Murphy and Ethan Evans finishing very strongly.

Aidan Murphy edged them in front with a free. From the kickout Colin O’Brien gathered possession and his delivery resulted in Ethan Evans scoring their second goal that moved them into a 2-5 to 0-7 lead. Wolfe Tones refused to give in. In the 57th minute they were awarded their second penalty. On this occasion Daniel O’Connell was denied by the Granard Gaels keeper Josh Hudner. In the closing moments Gavin Kenehan and Jimmy Duggan traded a point.

Deep in stoppage time Wolfe Tones had their goal courtesy of Daniel O’Connell but it proved too little too late with Granard Gaels holding on for a close win.

After the game Don Forde on behalf of the Rebel Og Board presented the cup to the victorious captain Padraigh O’Shea.