Case for the defence

temperature that not once could Naomh Colmcille navigate a route anywhere close to the Knocknagree goal.

Indeed from seven scores registered, Colmcille relied just on one player, former Derry City and Finn Harps soccer player Matthew Crossan to kick their lone pair of points from play.

That contrasted to six Knocknagree players hitting the target off play, main talisman Anthony O’Connor limited to two points from frees, again not entirely perfect by the Knocknagree attack, at times, their radar malfunctioned in terms of accuracy and a better return will be required in Croker.

In terms of line outs, no surprises for Knocknagree, the Naomh Colmcille setup saw No. 15 William Lynch retreat to a more familiar berth around the centre back zone. Hopeful of creating a launchpad to counter failed to materialiase, again the Knocknagreee rearguard to a man showed what defending is all about, the positioning of Garry and Paul O’Connor, along with Kealan Buckley and spare man Michael Mahoney superb. Add in the unbeatable Donagh Moynihan allowed Knocknagree launch fleeting movements and had the Colmcille defence back pedalling.

Likewise Knocknagree established the running of the agenda around midfield though the involvement of Padraig Collins and Danny Cooper (before retiring owing to injury) with Fintan O’Connor falling into place.

Here was a region, Naomh Colmcille were expected to emerge strongly through county Under 21 players Daniel Clarke and Michael Lynch only to emerge second best to the massive workrate of Knocknagree in the middle third.

Going forward, Knocknagree kept up their two goal rate, maybe not match of the day strikes, all goals count, Dennehy’s early opportunist strike shook the confidence of a nervous looking Colmcille. The omens are good, Knocknagree and Multifarnham ready to serve up a rousing Croke Park battle

Heading for the interval, another booster for Knocknagree, Anthony O’Connnor capitalised on an incisive turnover against Colmcille’s experienced defender Alan Devenney and it allowed the busy Daly drill the ball home, Knocknagree were facing the road to Croke Park.

That’s far from a formality, facing Multifarham who bridged 61 years to regain the Westmeath JAFC. And the small club, based on the outskirts of Mullingar added the Leinster title when defeating Erin Rovers of Offaly and followed up to earn a thrilling two point victory over a fancied Laherdane McHales of Mayo trained by former inter county coach John Maughan.

A surprise outcome in some quarters, but as the tensions rose during the closing stages in the Mullingar game, Knocknagree showing composure on not reacting to hefty challenges, stewards with luminous jackets dwelled on another Multifarnham victory.

“They won both the county and Leinster Finals on this ground, just like Knocknagree, they are an attacking team, definitely, the two best teams in the country are heading for Croke Park and its going to a cracker,” said one shrewd observer in a peak cap.

The omens are good, Knocknagree and Multifarnham ready to serve up a rousing Croke Park battle on Saturday week.