Desmonds condemn Rangers

AFTER a disappointing defeat at the hands of Glenflesk the previous weekend Castleisland Desmonds needed to get their campaign back on track when they welcomed Laune Rangers to Castleisland.

They got the result they wanted with a comprehensive victory over their fellow former All Ireland senior club champions, but events elsewhere have ruled them out of the reckoning of a place in the semi-final.

For Rangers, meanwhile, the defeat moves into a relegation play-off. A disappointing turn over events. The loss of Peter Crowley to injury was a big blow for Rangers, as John Tyther returned to the starting team in his place.

Laune Rangers actually took the lead from a well taken Shane Mangan point in the first minute, but Desmonds scored five unanswered points in the next 10 minutes through Adam Donoghue, Danny Hickey (two frees), Thomas Hickey (free) and Cian O’Connor.

Desmonds maintained a vicelike grip over the first half from there and went in at half-time with a seven point lead – 0-10 to 0-3.

The home side got off to the best possible start to the second half, as veteran full forward Kieran Brennan – a first half replacement for Thomas Hickey – got on the end of a high ball at the edge of the square to find the net.

Desmonds goalkeeper added Stephen Bartlett came upfield to score a 45 and, after Fiachra Clifford and Luka Brosnan had traded points, Rangers ‘keeper kicked a 45’ of his own. It was 1-13 to 0-7 with a quarter to play, Laune Rangers spirits were lifted somewhat by a terrific solo goal by Patrick Carey – the young wing back with an excellent run up the left flank ending with a delightful finish into the top right corner of the net.

Desmonds weren’t effected and finished Tomás Lynch point with effectively the last kick of the game.