Gleann na Laoi complete Muskerry junior double

MUSKERRY JUNIOR LEAGUE FINAL

Gleann na Laoi 0-9 Macroom 0-7

THESE are really exciting times for the footballers of Gleann na Laoi as their recent final victory in the Muskerry junior (C) football championship was followed on Sunday afternoon last by a league final victory over Macroom.

Similar to their championship success, this league final victory which was at the expense of Macroom went right down to the wire and it was the more economical return on their scoring opportunities that saw the Clougheen / Kerry Pike side getting over the line.

Last Sunday’s victory was particularly significant for Gleann na Laoi as it was secured on their own soil and the Muskerry board were fortunate to avail of same when they found themselves with a last minute venue problem.

The Muskerry board organise a (C) competition which is 13-a-side so that smaller clubs field and also bigger clubs cater for all their players and the championship and league generally produce entertaining fare.

For a club like Gleann na Laoi it is of particular importance and this season it has been historic. Facing into last Sunday’s final they were fancied to defeat Macroom who had their third choice team on duty, but nothing would be taken for granted facing a proud football club who would have useful performers in their line out.

The field in Clougheen was as good as one could expect during this time of year, but it was still trying considering the number of heavy showers that fell throughout the day.

The contestants generally produced entertaining fare with the outfield play being impressive by both sides on occasion but their finish left something to be desired. Gleann na Laoi were the first to attack and they had a chance to take the lead when they won a close in free.

The home side messed up, however, and left off the hook Macroom went on the offensive. Minors from Daire Deasy and Nico Wyzchinski twice enhanced their prospects of victory and they were not flattered to lead 0-5 to 0-3 at the end of the first quarter.

Cathal O’Riordan made it 0-6 to 0-3 when he converted a free in the 24th minute but Gleann na Laoi had some success in attack before the short whistle. A Conor Burke point from play was followed by an Eoin Keohane minor from a placed ball. This ensured that they only trailed by the minimum at half-time.

The issue was consequently wide open when the action resumed and Gleann na Laoi’s stock soared when Kieran Moloney kicked the equalising point. Scores were at premium subsequently and 19 additional minutes elapsed without either side raising a flag.

Macroom will bemoan their failure to improve their scoreboard position during that period when they were regularly on the attack. They were off target both from play and frees, but Gleann na Laoi were also thankful for the confident display of their cul baire Denis Savage and the defensive exploits of Brian Kearney.

Having weathered the storm the home side then went on the offensive themselves with good effect. Eoin Keohane converted a free in the 52nd minute to put Gleann na Laoi ahead for the first time and four minutes later a spectacular point from the same player consolidated their position.

Keohane kicked a long range side line ball confidently between the uprights. It was a score in the Maurice Fitzgerald mould and Gleann na Laoi were on the road to victory when Colm Horgan scored their ninth point a minute from full-time.

Macroom did make a last ditch effort to secure a major to tie the scores in the dying seconds and they forced a close in free. The taker Cathal O Riordan tried to drive the football through the packed goalmouth, but it was deflected over the bar.

Gleann na Laoi have consequently completed their 2018 playing season on a winning note. They were naturally jubilant. Particularly, at winning in their own headquarters and it was a time by the members to also remember loyal promoters of their club like Conor Lucey and Billy Bell who went to their eternal reward in the recent past and who would have so much deserved to be celebrating their success with them.

Scorers

GLEANN NA LAOI: Eoin Keohane (0-4, 0-3 frees), Kieran Moloney (0-2), Eoin McCann, Conor Burke, Colm Horgan (0-1 each)

MACROOM: Cathal O’Riordan (0-3, 0-2 frees), Nico Wyzchinski (0-2), Daire Deasy and Kieran Condon (0-1 each)

GLEANN NA LAOI: Denis Savage, Conor Burke, Brian Kearney, Kieran Clarke, Graham Desmond, Sean Coughlan, Keith Desmond, Shane Lucey, Michael Cafferkey, Eoin Keohane, Kieran Moloney, Colm Horgan, Eoin McCann Subs: Chris Keating for Sean Coughlan (35th minute injured), Rob Foukes for Keating (50th minute), Sean Nevin for Eoin McCann (56th minute black card)

MACROOM: Kevin Condon, Jamie Murphy, Tom O’Donovan, Nico Wyzchinski, Trevor Horgan, Kieran Condon, Shane Dunne, Olan O’Mahony, Daire Deasy, Conchúir Murray, Dylan Corcran, Cathal O Riordan, Simon Súnatra Subs: Chris Cronin for Conchúir Murray (44th minute), Murray for Simon Súnatra (53rd minute), J Lesley for Dylan Corcran (54th minute)

REFEREE: Richard Ainsley (Cill na Martra)