Win sees Geevagh finish top with Farnan’s sealing second
GEEVAGH ST. FARNAN’S 1-12 1-10
This final round game in group 3 was played in wet, windy conditions on Saturday last .Geevagh had wind advantage in the opening half and it was they who opened the scoring with three points without reply, one each from Ken Sweeney, Jodie O’Reilly and a 45’ converted by Pat Hughes. St. Farnan’s got on the scoreboard after 15minutes with a point from Finnian Cawley followed quickly by another from Shane Neary. Geevagh got the better of proceedings tagging on four consecutive points before Patrick O’Connor got one for St. Farnan’s. The four point deficit for the West Sligo side increased to eight when despite Sean Healy’s best efforts Enda Mc Manus scored a goal for Geevagh, followed by a point from midfielder Kevin Henry. St. Farnan’s received a lifeline before the break when a penalty was awarded which was converted by Ciaran O’Connor. The score at half time read Geevagh 1-8, St. Farnan’s 1-3.
After the break and aided by the wind St. Farnan’s approached the game with extra energy and vigour. James Hynes got the first point followed by another from Mark Devaney. Jodie O’Reilly got one back for Geevagh. St. Farnan’s made three changes to their line out with James Weir replacing Cormac Hallinan, Ryan Mc Coombe on for Keith Lang and Greg Feeney in for Shane Neary. Two points from James Hynes and one from substitute Greg Feeney reduced the margin to one, 1-9 to 1-8. An injury to Mark Devaney led to him being replaced by Kevin Mc Gee. Greg Feeney was also black carded and was replaced by Caolan Gillen. Geevagh got three points in quick succession to improve their advantage. In the latter stages they lost both Enda Mc Manus and Shane Hargadon to black cards. St. Farnan’s got the last two points of the game. Despite their best efforts they could not penetrate Geevagh’s defence to obtain the goal needed for victory.
Overall this game had all the intensity of a championship match but conditions did not lend it to being a great spectacle for supporters. It was hard hitting and intense and a match which either side could have won. On the day it was Geevagh who made the most of their chances .Geevagh had good performances from their scorers, back line and goalie Darren Kearns whose kick outs were vital to the team’s overall win. St. Farnan’s Patrick O’Connor, John Quinn, Finnian Cawley and James Hynes did well. Both teams move onto the quarter finals with Geevagh finishing top of the group and St. Farnan’s in second place.
Geevagh: Darren Kearns, Barry Sweeney, George Wall, Daniel Smith, Colm Mc Manus, Daithi O’Reilly,(capt. ), Dominic Kearns, Kevin Henry(0-2), Kevin Byrne, Tomas O’Reilly, Ken Sweeney(0-5(1f), Enda Mc Manus(1-0), Jodie O’Reilly(0-3(1f), Pat Hughes(0-2(1,45’), D. Fallon. Subs used:Shane Hargadon, Shane Tighe.
St. Farnan’s :Sean Healy, John Quinn, Padraic Culkin, Eamonn Kilgannon, Conor Gordon, Finnian Cawley (0-2), Cormac Hallinan, Patrick O’Connor (0-1), Martin Mulligan, Shane Neary(0-1), Ciaran O’Connor (1-1(pen,f), Mark Devaney(0-1), Keith Lang, James Hynes(0-3), Mattie Lang(capt.).Subs used: James Weir, Ryan Mc Coombe, Greg Feeney(0-1), Kevin Mc Gee, Caolan Gillen.